Draft EIS in the Proposed Wilderness and Roadless Area Management Sec- Tion

Return to Table of Contents Roadless Areas

Appendix C Recommended Wilderness and roadless area management

Introduction This appendix describes factors used to evaluate roadless areas on the White River NF for their recommendation as Wilderness. A series of individual reports summarizes the 37 areas found to be both capable and available as potential Wilderness. Included for each area is a description of its physical and biological features, recreational opportunities, resources, and land uses. Each report also conveys the results of assessing its capability, availability, and need for Wilder- ness recommendation.

Past roadless area inventories (RARE and RARE II) have been used to identify wilderness resources on the White River NF. See Analysis of the Management Situation, pages 3-64 to 3-68, for a summary of these findings and the process used in revising the Forest Plan. This process is further described in Chapter 3 of the Draft EIS in the proposed Wilderness and roadless area management section.

FSH 1909.12 outlines how to conduct an inventory and evaluation of roadless areas for potential Wilderness designation, as the next sections describe.

Inventory of potential Wilderness

Roadless areas are deemed qualified to be entered in the inventory of potential Wilderness if, in addition to meeting the statutory definition of Wilderness, they: • do not contain facilities for purposes of travel by vehicles greater than 50 inches in width, except as permitted in areas east of the 100th meridian; • contain 5,000 acres or more; • contain fewer than 5,000 acres but: (a) are manageable in their natural condition due to physiography of vegetation, (b) are self-contained ecosystems, or (c) are contiguous to existing Wilderness, primitive areas, administration- endorsed wilderness, or roadless areas in other federal ownership and contain 500 acres or more.

If an area contained a road accessing a physical improvement (for maintenance of the facility, to provide a right-of-way etc.) then the road and the feature were excluded from the inventory. Additional improvements that were excluded included reservoirs, pipelines above and below ground, canals, ditches, aqueducts,

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 1 Appendix C

water diversion structures, stock tanks, power transmission lines, telephone lines, cables and buildings. These elements were excluded because they have permanent structures or facilities that will require maintenance on an annual basis, fre- quently by means of motorized vehicles.

Evaluation of potential Wilderness

The inventory of potential Wilderness was evaluated based on the three tests of capability, availability, and need, which assessed each area's wilderness characteristics, its value relative to other resources, and the perceived need to add this site to the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Capability The capability of a potential Wilderness is defined in FSH 1909.12-7.21 as ``the degree to which the area contains the basic characteristics that make it suitable for Wilderness designation without regard to its availability or need as Wilder- ness.'' Among the characteristics analyzed were environment, challenge, outdoor recreation opportunities, special features, and manageability. Areas inventoried for Wilderness potential with the highest capability included the following: Black Lakes West, Derby, Spraddle Creek, Deep Creek, Homestake, Red Table, Trea- sure Mountain, Ute Pass, Acorn Creek and Big Ridge. This is shown in Table C-1.

Availability All NFS lands found to meet Wilderness capability requirements generally are available for consideration as Wilderness. However, this availability is con- strained by a determination of the value of and need for the wilderness resource relative to the value of and need for other resources from the site. To be available for Wilderness, the wilderness values of the resource, both tangible and intan- gible, should exceed the value of other resources that formal Wilderness designation would preclude.

In addition, constraints and encumbrances on lands may govern the availability of lands for Wilderness. The Forest Service should have sufficient control to prevent development of unresolvable, incompatible uses that would lessen wilderness character and potential. Lands that generally are best suited for development and intensive management for sustained-yield production or resources other than Wil- derness include the following: • areas in which the need for increased water production and onsite storage is vital; • lands that are needed for application of wildlife management measures of considerable magnitude; • highly mineralized areas of strategic and economic importance; • areas containing natural phenomena of unique or outstanding nature where public access and development is needed;

C __ 2 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

• lands meeting clearly documented resource demands such as timber, mineral production or developed recreation such as winter sports sites; • lands committed through contractual agreements for use, purposes, or activities not in concert with the requirements of the Wilderness Act.

Need FSH 1909.12-7.23 directs the Forest Service to ``determine the need for an area to be designated as Wilderness through an analysis of the degree to which it con- tributes to the local and national distribution of Wilderness.`` Need is addressed on a national basis and is evaluated in terms of the geographic distribution of areas, representation of landforms and ecosystems, and the presence of wildlife expected to be visible in Wilderness. Assessment of need is divided into two categories: biological need (landform representation and biodiversity) and social need (outdoor recreation opportunities). Only areas determined to be both capable and available for Wilderness were considered for their need.

Biological need. Wilderness in Colorado has been labelled ``rock and ice Wilder- ness'' because it generally is at a high elevation and features a limited range of plant communities. Analysis of roadless areas on the White River NF prioritized the need for a number of lower-elevation vegetation types not well represented in Wilderness on the Forest or in Region 2 as a whole. These included grass-forb, oakbrush, shrub, sagebrush, snowberry, pinyon-juniper, and ponderosa pine. The designation of Wilderness at lower elevations (where development pressures are the highest) will provide secure habitat and sanctuary for species that depend on this ecosystem type, as well as increase the acreage of the wilderness system in which these ecosystems are present.

The following potential Wilderness areas were identified that meet the highest biological need for lower-elevation plant communities: Big Ridge, Dome Peak, Red Dirt, Williams Fork, Lower Piney, Sweetwater, Hardscrabble, Adam Moun- tain, Basalt Mountain, Red Table, Sloan Peak, Assignation Ridge, and North Woody. This is shown in Table C-1.

Social need. The demand for Wilderness increases with an increased population base and a growing awareness of the value of Wilderness for outdoor recreation. Population growth throughout the area of the White River NF is continuing, with sustained annual growth rates of more than 5% in some counties. Moreover, traffic volumes along the Interstate 70 corridor have steadily increased in recent years; a reasonable assumption is that this traffic represents an increase in use of Wilderness on the Forest. However, local transportation trends and nationwide travel patterns have not significantly changed Wilderness use. Although temporal use patterns show that capacity has been reached in some areas, especially during peak use times, weekday, winter, and off-peak travel has not reached capacity within many of the areas on the White River NF.

About 38% of the White River NF and 23% of all NFS lands are designated as Wilderness. Wilderness opportunities in Colorado are fairly well distributed across the western portion of the state and are easily accessible to the population

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 3 Appendix C

centers of Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. The social need for Wilder- ness is met by existing Wilderness on the Forest and elsewhere in Colorado.

Several of the counties in the White River NF planning area have open space councils that have been successful in acquiring conservation easements for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has recreation leases on several state land parcels adjacent to the White River NF. While these opportunities generally are increasing, there also are private lands where historic public use had been permitted but now is prohibited.

Summary The greatest documented need for new Wilderness is based on the biological of need need evaluation. Capable and available roadless areas that would contribute to evaluation meeting landform and ecosystem diversity were previously listed. The social need for Wilderness is less clear because of the large acreage of Wilderness already present on the White River NF and throughout Colorado.

Wilderness recommendations by alternative

Wilderness recommendations vary by alternative. Table C-2 lists which areas have been allocated to management area 1.2 (recommended Wilderness). The effects of these allocations are presented in Chapter 3, Topic 4, of the Draft EIS: recommended Wilderness and roadless area management. Alternatives C, D, E and I contain Wilderness recommendations and are listed in the table. Alterna- tives B and F do not make any Wilderness recommendations and are not included in the table.

Note: all acreages were computed using the Forest's Geographic Information System. Although this system produces more accurate measurements than did earlier methods, acreage figures given here have been rounded. As a result, some columns in tables will not ``add up'' to the exact total shown. These differ- ences are not thought to be significant.

C __ 4 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Table C-1 Exceptional values found in roadless areas on the White River NF

Map #Name Adjacent Wilderness Values ranked highly 4 Ripple Creek Flat Tops __ 5a Big Ridge to South Fork Flat Tops ecological need, capability 6 Dome Peak Flat Tops ecological need 8a Red Dirt Flat Tops ecological need 8b Derby Flat Tops capability 9 Williams Fork None ecological need 12 Lower Piney Eagles Nest ecological need 15a Sweetwater Flat Tops ecological need 19 Black Lake West Eagles Nest capability 20 Black Lake East Eagles Nest __ 21b Ute Pass Ptarmigan capability 21c Acorn Creek Ptarmigan capability 23 Deep Creek None capability 28 Freeman Creek Eagles Nest __ 29a Spraddle Creek Eagles Nest capability 34 Tenderfoot None __ 40a Mud Springs Holy Cross __ 40b Meadow Mountain Holy Cross __ 44 Hardscrabble None ecological need 46 Tenmile None __ 48 Gypsum Creek None __ 49 Adam Mountain None ecological need, capability 50 Tigiwon Holy Cross __ 51b Basalt Mountain None ecological need 52 Woods Lake Holy Cross __ 53a Red Table None ecologcial need 54 Homestake Holy Cross __ 56 Hoosier Ridge None __ 57 No Name Holy Cross __ 59 Chicago Ridge None __ 61 Sloan Peak None ecological need 64 Mormon Creek Holy Cross __ 69 Assignation Ridge None ecological need 71 North Woody None ecological need 75 Hunter Hunter-Fryingpan __ 77 North Independence ``A'' Hunter-Fryingpan __ 84 Treasure Mountain Raggeds capability

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 5 Appendix C

Table C-2 Recommended Wilderness by alternative

ALTERNATIVE C No. Name No. Name 5a Big Ridge to South Fork 28 Freeman Creek 8a Red Dirt 29a Spraddle Creek 19 Black Lake West 53b Red Table 21b Ute Pass 77 North Independence "A" 21c Acorn Creek 84 Treasure Mountain

ALTERNATIVE D No. Name No. Name 6 Dome Peak 71 North Woody 15a Sweetwater 84 Treasure Mountain 69 Assignation Ridge

ALTERNATIVE E No. Name No. Name 44 Hardscrabble 51b Basalt Mountain 48 Gypsum Creek 53b Red Table 49 Adam Mountain 61 Sloan Peak

ALTERNATIVE I No. Name No. Name 4 Ripple Creek 40b Meadow Mountain 5a Big Ridge to South Fork 48 Gypsum Creek 6 Dome Peak 50 Tigiwon 8a Red Dirt 51b Basalt Mountain 12 Lower Piney 52 Woods Lake 15a Sweetwater 53b Red Table 19 Black Lake West 54 Homestake 20 Black Lake East 57 No Name 21b Ute Pass 61 Sloan Peak 21c Acorn Creek 64 Mormon Creek 28 Freeman Creek 75 Hunter 29a Spraddle Creek 77 North Independence "A" 40a Mud Springs 84 Treasure Mountain

Roadless areas not recommended in any alternative 8b Derby 46 Tenmile 9 Williams Fork 56 Hoosier Ridge 23 Deep Creek 59 Chicago Ridge 34 Tenderfoot Mountain

C __ 6 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Recommended Roadless areas on the White River NF found to be capable and available for wil- Wilderness derness recommendation provide some opportunity to increase representation of lower-elevation ecosystem types in the National Wilderrness Preservation Sys- tem as well as to supplement existing Wilderness opportunities on the Forest. Table C-3 shows how these roadless areas were allocated by management area category.

Table C-3 Management area allocation of capable and available roadless areas (by alternative)

ALTERNATIVE Management area B C D E F I 1.2 __ recommended Wilderness 0 94,300 47,200 103,000 0 205,000 Total MA categories 1 & 2 21,900 105,200 77,100 34,000 33,500 53,100 Total MA categories 3 & 4 126,600 44,200 15,000 131,800 25,700 25,500 Total MA categories 5, 7 & 8 149,400 54,400 158,900 29,200 238,800 14,200 Total roadless acres 298,000 298,000 298,000 298,000 298,000 298,000

The management area allocation can be grouped into two broad categories: those allocations allowing activities which could compromise wilderness characteristics and allocations which generally retain wilderness characteristics. Road- less areas allocated to MA categories 1 and 2 are most likely to retain their wilderness character. These categories are basically non-motorized with a backcountry emphasis. This includes areas that will be managed for research natural areas and some special interest areas. Management area categories 3-8 could compromise wilderness characteristics by increasing levels of development ranging from increased motorized and mechanized recreation opportunities to road construction and facility development. Table C-4 shows the number of acres of in a management area(s) that will retain wilderness characteristics and the number of acres that will not retain wilderness characteristics.

Table C-4 Wilderness character of capable and available roadless areas ( by alternative)

ALTERNATIVE B C D E F I Acres retaining wilderness character 21,900 199,500 124,300 137,000 33,500 258,100 Acres not retaining wilderness character 276,100 98,500 173,700 161,000 264,500 39,900

It may be possible to mitigate the loss of wilderness characteristics in some situa- tions. The applicability and practicality of mitigation measures depends on site- specific information and analysis. Possible mitigation measures for timber harvest allocations include road closure or obliteration, modified silvicultural prescriptions, emulating natural patterns and shapes in harvest unit design, and modified logging methods. It may not be possible to mitigate the loss of wilderness character-

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 7 Appendix C

istics in intensively developed management area allocations. Designation as Wil- derness is not required to protect the habitats of biotic species competing with increasing human development or unable to survive in less than primitive surroundings. Other management area allocations can also provide for these needs. So- cial and economics issues and environmental effects of and on various resources associated with management area prescriptions are disclosed in the Draft EIS.Management activities that change the unroaded character of these areas require further environmental analysis on a site-specific basis.

Table C-5 Wilderness character of capable and available roadless areas ( by alternative)

High capability Both high need and Total high Total high High need (only) (only) high capability need capability # of # of # of Alternative Acres Acres # of acres Acres Acres areas areas areas C 5 6,000 2 74,400 74,400 75,000 D 3 33,800 1 1,500 1 11,900 45,700 13,400 E 4 47,400 1 39,100 86,500 39,100 I 5 65,300 4 10,100 2 74,400 13,9700 84,500 B & F 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Roadless Only those roadless areas that were found to be capable of and available for Wil- areas derness recommendation are included in this appendix. Table C-1 lists these described in areas. Table C-2 shows the allocation of these areas to each forest management this appendix alternative, and highlights the total acreage of recommended Wilderness by alternative. The following reports provide detailed information for the 37 capable and available roadless areas.

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Roadless Area 4 Ripple Creek

Acres 2,026 Ranger district Blanco History This area was identified in the RARE II process in 1977 as a part of unit #162 and not recommended for Wilderness. Location The unit is located in Garfield County approximately 41 miles east of Meeker. and access Rio Blanco County Road 8 (the Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway) lies one-fourth to one-half mile west of the unit and the Trappers Lake Road (FDR 205) lies just to the south providing motorized access to the general area. There is no motorized access within the area because of the steep terrain. The Chinese Wall Trail (FDT 1803) lies to the north and the Lilly Pond Trail (FDT 1811) follows along the southern edge. No forest trails enter the Ripple Creek unit. The Flat Tops Wilderness borders the unit to the east. Surroundings Near the unit are two recreation residences and two lodges, all under special- use permit. There also are two Forest Service campgrounds and six trailheads in the general vicinity. Physical and The area is characterized by varied topography. Elevations range from about biological 8,800 feet to 10,000 feet toward the top of Ripple Creek Pass. The terrain is description roughly broken, dissected by the forks of Ripple Creek, and ranges in character from gradual slopes to very steep slopes and high ridges. Soils are deep clay loams of volcanic origin over a shale substrate. When saturated these soils are subject to slippage, particularly at the point of contact with the underlying shale. The entire area is characterized by slumps. Distur- bance of the soil increases the probability of additional soil displacement, especially in years with higher moisture levels in the winter and/or summer. The area receives heavy snowfall through the winter months, with snow cover generally existing from early November through early July. Summers are generally cool with daily afternoon rain showers not unusual. The unit is covered with stands of aspen with their associated understory vegetation, interspersed with open parks, stands of lodgepole pine and mixed spruce-fir (much of which has been beetle-killed) with an understory of spruce-fir regeneration. Special features The Ripple Creek unit has no special features or attractions. The main attrac- or attractions tions to the general area are the Flat Tops Wilderness, the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway from Meeker to Yampa, Trappers Lake Lodge (built in the early 1900s), the Trappers Lake Campground complex, and Trappers Lake, which offers excellent fishing and is known as the birthplace of the wilderness con- cept. The surrounding area's scenic beauty attracts many people to the locale.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 9 Appendix C

Area 4 resource uses

Vegetation No timber sale activity has occurred in the Ripple Creek unit. In the general area outside the unit about 90 acres near the top of Ripple Creek Pass has been treated by timber sale activities that removed trees killed during the 1940s-'50s spruce beetle outbreak. Follow-up timber stand improvements also have occurred. Other timber stands throughout the adjacent area were considered for treatment in the mid-1980s but harvest was deemed neither economi- cally feasible or environmentally sound using conventional logging systems because of wet, boggy soils and difficult terrain. Since then helicopter logging has been introduced on the Forest so there may be potential at a reduced volume, because much of the standing dead has fallen. Recreation Recreation use within the unit is entirely non-motorized. Snowmobile trails border the western and southern portions of the unit. Recreation use within it is limited by steep terrain and the limited area available. Most use occurs during hunting season although some dispersed summer use occurs. Other activities include horseback riding, hiking, viewing scenery, dispersed camping, viewing wildlife and fishing in Ripple Creek. There are no outfitter camps although several outfitters have day-use permits and may travel through the area to reach other camps or to fish, accounting for most of the summer outfitted use. Recreation resource potential appears to be limited to the development of trails and trailheads to access the area. Minerals There are no currently active mining operations. Some exploration for gold likely occurred to the north of the unit because of its proximity to placer gold claims west of County Road 8. Wildlife The area provides valuable summer habitat for deer and elk. There appears to be no current need to plan wildlife habitat improvement activities. Range The area lies within the Ripple Creek cattle allotment that has been active since the 1900s and is expected to remain in use. A stock driveway lies approximately one-half mile north of the unit. Developments in the general area associated with the range program include the sheep corrals at the Chi- nese Wall /Pagoda Trailhead and a horse pasture and fence used by Ripple Creek Lodge. Water There are no water developments within the area and a low potential exists for future development. Heritage There are no known heritage resources in the area although the probability of resources occurrence of sites and isolated finds is high.

Land uses There are two recreation residence near the area, two special-use lodges and a reservation for a power withdrawal one-half mile up the Trappers Lake Road. There are no private lands within the area and no active mining claims.

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Fire The area has displayed a low potential for fires because of the cool, wet conditions, although under the right conditions a severe fire could burn in beetle- killed spruce. Under these conditions spread potential could be high, although normally spread would be limited by wet meadows and scattered aspen stands. Fire activities are discussed in the Flat Tops fire management area prescribed natural fire plan. The area is included in the Trappers fire management unit for fuel treatment including managment ignition. Insects Most of the mature Engelmann spruce trees were killed by the spruce beetle and disease epidemic of the 1940s and 1950s. The young regenerated stand should be resistant to insects and disease for many years.

Area 4 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... low Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... low Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... low Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... low Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... low Hiking...... low Winter Skiing ...... N/A Mountain climbing ...... N/A Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... high Conform with terrain ...... high Are manageable ...... high Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... high

Area 4 availability determination

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 11 Appendix C

4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

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Roadless Area 5a Big Ridge to South Fork

Acres 50,443 Ranger district Blanco History Most of this area was identified during the RARE II process as unit 160 with a small portion in unit 159. It was not recommended for Wilderness designation. Location The area is located about 30 miles east of Meeker in Rio Blanco County. Its and access eastern and southern boundaries lie against the Flat Tops Wilderness except for the portion of the unit that lies south of the South Fork of the White River where the south boundary is the rim of the South Fork Canyon. Its western boundary is bordered by private lands, the South Fork Road (County Road 10) and two relativity small, isolated parcels of BLM land. For that portion south of the South Fork a small drainage named Cliff Creek is the western boundary. The unit's northern boundary is bordered by Rio Blanco County Road 8 and a strip of private land that parallels County road 8 (the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway). Motorized access to the northern portion is provided by County Road 8 (the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway). County Road 10, the South Fork Road, provides motorized access to the western portion. County Road 12 (the Marvine Road) provides motorized access into the center of the area and dead ends at Marvine Campground and trailhead. Forest Road 283 provides access to the Ute and Papoose recreation residences and to the Ute Creek (FDT 1824) and Papoose Creek (FDT 2248) non-motorized trails. There are some roads through the private land to the west that come close to the boundary of the unit, but these roads are not open to the general public. There is motorized access to all of the private inholdings. A moderate amount of snowmobile use occurs in the northern portion, but there are no designated snowmobile routes. In addition to the Ute and Papoose Trails, the area is accessed by these non- motorized trails: the Big Ridge Trail (FDT 1820), the Bailey Lake Trail (FDT 1825), the Hill Creek Trail (FDT 2255), the Fowler Creek Trail (FDT 2256, the Peltier Lake Trail (FDT 1826), the South Fork Trail (FDT 1827), the Cliff Lake Trail (FDT 1831) and the Spring Cave Trail (FDT 1834). With the exception of the last three, the other trails lead into Flat Tops Wilderness. Motorized access for the portion of the area west of the South Fork River is provided by County Road 10. Surroundings The northern portion of the area, east of the South Fork, is bordered by County Road 8 and private land. Its eastern and southern boundaries abut Flat Tops Wilderness. Its western boundary is bordered by private and BLM lands.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 13 Appendix C

Physical and The area is characterized by varied topography, with elevations ranging from biological about 7,400 feet to 11,000 feet. The terrain is roughly broken and dissected by description numerous drainages, and ranges in character from flat, open parks and rolling valley floors to very steep slopes, cliffs and high ridges. Soils are predominately from the Weber Sandstone formation of deep loams with some rock outcroppings. The unit features a variety of vegetation, including extensive stands of oakbrush on steep slopes above the South Fork of the White River. Lodgepole pine intermixed with aspen dominates the northern portion of the area above County Road 8 with the remainder of the area mostly comprised of spruce-fir stands intermixed with aspen stands and parks. Special features The area possesses beautiful scenery and outstanding primitive recreation or attractions opportunities. Other attractions are its primitive character, undeveloped nature and excellent big-game hunting opportunities.

Area 5a resource uses

Vegetation Timber sales that thinned about 50 acres of lodgepole pine occurred on Big Ridge near Lost Creek. There is good potential for future timber harvest throughout the area, with high-quality lodgepole pine and aspen existing in the Big Ridge portion of the area and excellent stands of spruce-fir and aspen occurring throughout a large portion of the remainder of the area. Recreation Recreation use in the area is non-motorized with the exception of snowmobile use in the Big Ridge and West Marvine areas. The Buford-New Castle Road on the western boundary is a marked and groomed snowmobile trail. Off-trail snowmobile use is high in the many large open parks scattered throughout the northwestern part of the unit. Most recreation use occurs during hunting season although dispersed summer use activities are increasing. In addition to hunting, activities include horseback riding, hiking, viewing scenery, dispersed camping, viewing wildlife and fishing. These uses are at a moderate-to-high level. Limited mountain biking occurs on some of trails. At least 12 outfitters operate 46 permitted camps during hunting season; several others have day- use permits. Summer outfitted use is moderate but increasing. Several outfitters have winter use permits and one is offering winter camping. Two outfitters are permitted to use snowmobiles in the area, one in the West Marv- ine drainage and one on Big Ridge. Recreation resource potential appears to be limited to the development of primitive recreation activities. Minerals There are no active mining, oil and gas leasing or mineral claims in the unit. Wildlife The higher-elevation portions of this unit provide valuable summer habitat for deer and elk. Lower-elevation areas, especially those near the valley of the

C __ 14 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

South Fork of the White River, provide fall and early winter habitat for deer and elk. In mild winters, some elk will inhabit these slopes throughout the winter months. The Hill Creek portion of the area is home to a herd of bighorn sheep that remains here throughout the year. Several prescribed fires have been ignited in the area to enhance habitat for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep; more are planned. Range The area contains all or portions of one sheep allotment and five cattle allotments. These have been active for about 100 years and are expected to remain in use. Associated developments include stock ponds, stock tanks and pipelines, and several miles of fencing. There is also a cow camp on the West Marvine Allotment just outside the unit. Water There are two reservoirs adjacent to the area, Bailey Lake and Swede Lake. Peltier Lake may be partially man-made and lies within the area. Several ditches are adjacent to the area in the South Fork, Ute Creek, Papoose, West Marvine and North Fork drainages. Fire In general the area has a low potential for fire because of cool, wet conditions in the predominant spruce-fir cover type. The exception would be stands killed by the 1940s spruce beetle epidemic, as has occurred in recent years in the Ute Creek drainage, where a 1994 fire burned 3,190 acres. In the Big Ridge, West Marvine and Ute/Papoose drainages are large stands of lodgepole pine, which have seen some fire activity in the past. Where stands of oakbrush and sagebrush are present, the fire spread potential is high. The unit is considered in the Flat Tops fire management area prescribed natural fire plan. Several areas are included in fire management units for fuel treatment, including the Big Ridge area (Marvine FMU), the east side of the South Fork (Oyster FMU) and the area just south of the South Fork of the White River adjacent to Flat Tops Wilderness (Blair FMU). Insects and Current problems with insect and disease infestations are minor, but as the disease lodgepole pine and mixed-conifer stands approach and exceed maturity, this could become a serious problem in the future. Heritage There are no known heritage resources in the area although the probability of resources occurrence of sites and isolated finds is high. Land uses There are no permitted permanent land uses within this area. There are power withdrawals along the North Fork, Marvine and South Fork drainages. No private land is found in the unit. There are no active mining claims or other encumbrances.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 15 Appendix C

Area 5a capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... high Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... high Hunting ...... high Fishing ...... high Backpacking ...... high Hiking...... high Winter Skiing ...... N/A Mountain climbing ...... N/A Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... high Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... high Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 5a availability determination (see footnote)

1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... 1

1 Two outfitters are permitted to use snowmobiles in the area, one in the West Marvine drainage and one on Big Ridge.

C __ 16 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 6 Dome Peak

Acres 12,008 Ranger district Eagle History A portion of this area was identified in the RARE II roadless area analysis as Dome Peak (9,080 acres). Location and The area is northwest of Burns in Eagle and Routt Counties. FDR 610 (North access Derby), 615 (North Cedar Creek), and 915 (Harper Reservoir) provide motorized access. FDT 2034 (Ute-Sunnyside) and FDT1861 (Sunnyside Lakes) provide non-motorized access. Surroundings The area is bounded on the west by the Flat Tops Wilderness and by the north and east by national forest, Bureau of Land Management, or private land boundaries. The southern boundary is defined by FDR 610 (North Derby). Physical and Elevations range from 8,608 feet (Dry Fork of Cabin Creek) to 12,172 feet biological (Dome Peak). The area falls within the Flat Tops and Williams Fork ecological description subsections of the White River NF landscape character descriptions. These subsections are composed of a broad uplifted plateau composed of uplands and mountains and steeply flanked canyon sideslopes. Processes consist of glaciation and periglaciation with fluvial and colluvial influences, along with landslide deposition. The plateau is a complex of mountain groups, rolling hills, and plateau lands, deeply dissected valleys with some scoured bowl-like cirque headwalls and glaciated ridgelands. Soil taxa consists of Cryoboralfs and Cryochrepts associated with coniferous forests. Cryobrolls are associated with aspen and grass shrub-steppe. Cryum- brepts are typically associated with alpine meadows. The unit is covered by large expanses of primarily dead Engelmann spruce forest broken by large patches of aspen and open parks. Vegetation along the major streams consists of cottonwoods, alders, willows, and other riparian species. Special features The dominant feature in this unit is Dome Peak (12,172 feet). Sunnyside or attractions Lakes provide fishing opportunities.

Area 6 resource uses

Vegetation A portion of the area was considered in the analysis for the Dome Peak timber sale. At this time, a decision has not been made regarding this sale. As were many areas within the Flat Tops, it was affected by the 1940s-50s spruce beetle epidemic, thus has numerous dead standing and downed trees present.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 17 Appendix C

Recreation Fall hunting season is the primary use, at moderate-to-heavy levels. Stump Park and Cedar Creek receive heavy motorized use during this time. There is limited summer use of the area for hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. There are increasing problems with illegal OHV use.

Wildlife The area is used primarily for summer range for deer and elk. Sunnyside Lake is stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and provides fishing opportunities. Range The area is part of the Sunnyside active cattle allotment. Usual range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are found in the unit. Other There are multiple non-system roads, trails, and ditches (some of which are illegal) that enter onto NFS lands from private property. Oil and gas leases have been permitted in this area. They are not active at this time. A number of 50- to 100-foot clearings have been created to construct timber fences within the area.

Area 6 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low

C __ 18 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 6 availability determination

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 19 Appendix C

Roadless Areas 8a and 8b Red Dirt (8a) and Derby (8b)

Acres 14,935 Ranger district Eagle History Portions of this area were identified in the RARE II roadless area analysis as Red Dirt (4,520 acres). Hack Lake, a potential wilderness area on Bureau of Land Management land, is located to the south and west. Location and This area is located west of Burns and north of Dotsero in Eagle and Garfield access Counties. FDR 613 (South Derby), 616 (Big Spring), and 611 (Red Dirt Basin) provide motorized access. FDT 2032 (Ute-Sweetwater), 1817 (W Mountain), 2177 (High Basin), 1836 (Bear Park), and 1837 (Canard Creek) provide non- motorized access. Surroundings The area is bounded on the west by the Flat Tops Wilderness and on the south and east by national forest, Bureau of Land Management, and private land boundaries. The northern boundary is defined by 610 (North Derby). Physical and Elevations range from 7,200 feet (East Fork of Red Dirt Creek) to 11,411 feet biological (Star Mountain at the Wilderness boundary). The area falls within the Flat description Tops and Williams Fork ecological subsections of the White River NF landscape character descriptions. These subsections are composed of a broad uplifted plateau composed of uplands and mountains and steeply flanked canyon sideslopes. Processes consist of glaciation and periglaciation with fluvial and colluvial influences, along with landslide deposition. The plateau is a complex of mountain groups, rolling hills, and plateau lands, deeply dissected valleys with some scoured bowl-like cirque headwalls and glaciated ridgelands. Soil taxa consists of Cryoboralfs and Cryochrepts associated with coniferous forests. Cryobrolls are associated with aspen and grass shrub-steppe. Cryum- brepts typically are associated with alpine meadows.The unit is covered by large expanses of primarily dead Engelmann spruce forest broken by large patches of aspen and open parks. Vegetation along the major streams consists of cottonwoods, alders, willows, and other riparian species. Special features The primary attraction is Crescent and Mackinaw Lakes which are accessed or attractions by FDR 613 (South Derby).

Areas 8a and 8b resource uses

Vegetation Stand-replacement fires occurred in this area in 1975 (Red Dirt Fire __ 8,000 acres) and in 1981 (Emerald Fire __ 6,000 acres). As were many areaswithin the Flat Tops, it was affected by the 1940s-50s spruce beetle epidemic, thus has numerous dead standing and downed trees present.

C __ 20 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Recreation The area receives moderate-to-high use in the fall during deer and elk hunting season. In the summer, use is concentrated in the Crescent and Mackinaw Lake area. Recreation opportunities include hiking horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and limited snowmobiling. Wildlife The Red Dirt Basin has been identified as critical winter range for deer and elk. Crescent and Mackinaw Lakes are stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and provide fishing opportunities. Range This area is part of the Derby active cattle allotment. Usual range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are present. Special uses The eastern boundary has several parcels of private property that currently are being used as working ranches. The potential for developing these areas is high. Multiple ditches under special use permit throughout the area provide water to the adjacent ranch lands. In the past, oil and gas leases have been permitted, although no drilling has occurred. Outfitters that use the area are Winterhawk and Schlegal Ranches.

Area 8a capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 21 Appendix C

Area 8a availability determination

Area 8b capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... low Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 8b availability determination

C __ 22 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 23 Appendix C

Roadless Area 9 Williams Fork

Acres 6,740 Ranger district Dillon History The area was identified in the RARE II analysis as the Williams Peak West roadless area (8,960 acres). The closest Wilderness is Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness about three miles to the southeast. Location and The area is located in Summit County east of Heeney and Green Mountain access Reservoir. FDR 2950 (William Peak), 2855 (Mumford Gulch), 2850 Way (Cow Camp), 2845 (Shane Gulch), 2840 (Lonesome), and 2600 (Miller Gulch) provide motorized access. There are no system trails within the area. Surroundings The area is bounded on the north by the White River NF/Arapaho NF boundary. The eastern boundary is the ridgeline that also marks the boundary between the two national forests as well as Grand and Summit Counties. The southern and western boundaries are defined by private land and national forest boundaries. Physical and Elevations range from approximately 8,200 feet to 11,616 feet (Williams biological Peak). The area is described by the Indian Peaks/Williams Fork Mountain eco- description logical subsection of the White River NF landscape character descriptions. Landforms are the result of complex erosion and deposition from glaciation, periglaciation, and mass-wasting processes. Other landform features include fluvial deposits from the Snake and South Fork of the Williams Rivers. This subsection is composed of high-relief mountains of the intermontaine basin complex. There also are uplifted hills with steep to moderately steep slopes. The stratigraphy and lithology include the exposed core of uplifted mountain ranges composed predominately of precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses; upper Cretaceous interbedded marine shales, and sandstone along the western flank of the Williams Fork Moun- tains. Vegetation types vary from aspen and grass shrubsteppe on the lower slopes to alpine tundra and meadowlands above treeline. The predominant vegetation types are aspen/grass shrubsteppe and lodgepole pine. Special features The ridgeline along the Williams Fork Mountains is visible from many points in or attractions Summit County. This ridgeline is outstanding because of its geologic features, which create a unique landscape character that defines the Lower Blue River valley. Williams Peak and Williams Mountain are major peaks along this ridgeline and offer outstanding views of the Gore Range.

C __ 24 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 9 resource uses

Vegetation The eastern flank of this area contains a small amount of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. There has been no timber harvesting in this area because of difficult access and the small volume of merchantable timber. At higher elevations are a few stands of bristlecone pine. Recreation This area receives light use throughout the winter and summer months and heavy use during the fall hunting season. Recreation activities in the area include four-wheel drive use, hunting, hiking, camping, hang- gliding, and horseback riding. During the winter, the Williams Peak Road (FDR 2590) has a limited amount of snowmobile use. Wildlife Most of the area has been designated in the 1984 Forest Plan as an emphasis area for big-game winter range. It supports a large herd of elk and moderate deer numbers. Water sources are limited and there is no existing or potential fishery. Range The area is part of the Blue Ridge and Big Hole active cattle allotments. The usual range improvements are found within these allotments including fences and stock ponds. Other Throughout the area is a network of roads, trails, fence lines, and water diversions that historically supported local ranches. There are problems with recreationists and private land owners constructing illegal roads and trails. A communications site on Williams Peak has motorized road access during the summer and either snowcat or snowmobile access during the winter.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 25 Appendix C

Area 9 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... high Fishing ...... N/A Backpacking ...... low Hiking...... low Winter Skiing ...... low Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 9 availability determination

C __ 26 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 12 Lower Piney

Acres 13,416 Ranger district Holy Cross History The Piney roadless area is composed of the South Fork of the Piney River and Piney RARE II areas, which totaled 15,880 acres. It is bounded on the east by Eagles Nest Wilderness. Location and This area is located northeast of Wolcott in Eagle County. Primitive roads access open to motorized travel are FDR 405, 767, 406, 744, and 784. Trails open to motorized use are FDT 1884, 1892, and 1890. Surroundings The area is bounded to the north by FDR 404. The eastern boundary abuts the Eagles Nest Wilderness. The southern boundary is defined by FDR 700.2 and the western margin mainly by the national forest boundary. Within the area are five parcels of private land through which the Forest Service does not have easements, including the Marma Lake parcel. Physical and Elevations range from about 7,800 feet at Piney River to 11,107 feet at biological Chimney Rock. The area is part of the Hardscrabble and Williams Fork eco- description logical subsections of the White River NF, characterized by varied topography. The terrain is roughly broken, dissected by numerous drainages, and ranges in character from flat, open parks and rolling valley floors to very steep slopes and high ridges. Strongly developed soils with a high clay content in the subsurface occur on nearly every level to moderately steep slopes. The soils are mostly 40 to 60 inches deep or more to bedrock, have high subsurface rock contents and are well-drained. Shallow to bedrock soils occur on steep to very steep slopes and are excessively well-drained. Soil parent material is derived dominantly from interbedded shales and siltstones. Vegetation types include subalpine-fir and Engelmann spruce, and alpine meadows with scree, tundra, and snowfields above treeline. At lowest elevations aspen and lodgepole pine forests are interspersed with mountain shrublands. Special features Chimney Rock (11,107 feet) is a major peak in this area. The Piney Guard or attractions Station, built in 1940 and used by the Forest Service as an administrative site, has the potential to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Area 12 resource uses

Vegetation The Piney timber sale area east of Marma Lake borders the area. Much of the area was used for homesteading about 100 years ago and remnants of logging operations are visible.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 27 Appendix C

Recreation Fall is the primary use season and the area is heavily hunted for elk and deer. During this season, illegal ATV and jeep trails are increasingly pioneered. System and non-system trails and roads are infrequently used throughout the year for motorized and non-motorized activities including hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, motorcycling, jeep touring, and hunting. Wildlife The area offers excellent summer range for big game. The area supports a large herd of elk and a moderate number of deer. Range This area is an active part of the South Piney, South Fork, and Slate Allot- ments that are permitted for sheep and cattle grazing annually. Other The current landowner manages most of the private property within the area as a large ranch and wildlife reserve. The potential for development is high and would significantly affect the area. The current trail and road infra- structure is fragmented through this area by a lack of easements through private holdings.

C __ 28 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 12 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... high Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 12 availability determination

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 29 Appendix C

Roadless Area 15 Sweetwater

Acres 11,931 Ranger district Eagle

History The area was previously identified as Sweetwater in the RARE II analysis (14,470 acres). Location and The area is located northwest of Dotsero in Garfield County. FDR 150 is a access cherry-stemmed road into its northern portion. Motorized use of this road and two-wheeled motorized use on FDT 1855 (Cross Creek), 2031 (Ute-Deep Trail), and 1852 (Johnson Pasture) is permitted. FDT 1854 has motorized use permitted from the junction with FDT 1856 west. Non-motorized access also occurs from FDT 1839 (Nellie's), 2036 (Burnt Park), 2031 (Sweetwater Nature), 2033 (Coburn Rim), 2037 (Sam's Pond), and 2029 (Harold's). Deep Lake is located in the northwestern portion of the unit. Surroundings The area is bounded on the north by Flat Tops Wilderness and on the east by private land and national forest boundaries. The western boundary is defined by a road system developed for the Deep Creek timber sales. Physical and Elevations range from 7,709 feet at Sweetwater Lake to 10,809 feet (un- biological named peak at the head of Cross Creek). The area falls within the Flat Tops description ecological subsection of the White River NF landscape character descriptions. This subsection is composed of a broad uplifted plateau composed of uplands and mountains and steeply flanked canyon sideslopes. Processes consist of glaciation and periglaciation with fluvial and colluvial influences, along with landslide deposition. The plateau is a complex of mountain groups, rolling hills, and plateau lands, deeply dissected valleys with some scoured bowl-like cirque headwalls and glaciated ridgelands. Soil taxa consists of Cryoboralfs and Cryochrepts associated with coniferous forests. Cryobrolls are associated with aspen and grass-shrub steppe. Cryum- brepts are typically associated with alpine meadows. Species include Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir, Douglas-fir, aspen, gamble oak, alpine meadows and grass-shrub steppe. There is evidence of a previous spruce beetle infestation. Dead spruce trees are scattered across the plateau. Special features Sweetwater Resort is the primary attraction near the area. The resort is or attractions located on private property and consists of a lodge, cabins, and restaurant that operate during the summer and fall seasons.

C __ 30 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 15 resource uses

Vegetation The southwestern boundary of the area is defined by a network of timber sale roads from the Tenmile, Ute, and Cross Creek sales. As were many areas within the Flat Tops, it was affected by the 1940s-50s spruce beetle epidemic, thus has numerous dead standing and downed trees present. Recreation The primary recreation use season is autumn. Big-game hunting pressure is moderate-to-heavy. Summer use is light and consists of foot and horse travel. Wildlife The area is used primarily for summer range for elk and deer. Much of the area has also been identified as critical winter habitat for elk and deer. Sweet- water Lake is stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and provides fishing opportunities. Range This area is part of the Sweetwater vacant allotment and the Lake Creek/Deep Creek active cattle allotment. Usual range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are present. Other Outfitter and guide use is provided by Anderson Camps, A.J. Brink, Rick Hum- mel, Colorado High Guides, and 7W guest ranch. Much of the private property to the east of this area has been subdivided into 35-acre parcels.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 31 Appendix C

Area 15 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

Area 15 availability determination

C __ 32 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Areas 19-20 Black Lake West (19) and Black Lake East (20)

Acres 1,644 Ranger district Dillon

History The Black Lakes area was identified in the RARE II analysis as area #350. Location and The areas are located northwest of Silverthorne in Summit County. Motorized access access is limited to a cherry-stemmed private road that does not provide public access. FDR 1695 (Brush Creek) provides motorized access to the eastern boundary. Non-motorized access to the southern portion of the units is provided by FDT 60. Surroundings These units are bounded by Eagles Nest Wilderness to the south and by private land to the north. Black Lake West is bounded on the west by the Eagles Nest Wilderness boundary and on the east by the private Black Lakes road. Black Lake East is bounded on the west by the private Black Lakes road and on the east by the private property boundary. Physical and Elevations range from about 8,600 feet at Otter Creek to 9,600 feet along the biological Wilderness boundary. The area is described by the Gore/Mosquito Ranges description ecological subsection of the White River NF landscape character descriptions. Landform features include scoured bowl-like cirque headwalls and floors, U- shaped valleys, couloirs, talus slopes, and rounded mountain slopes. This subsection is composed of north-south laying high relief mountains. Dominant geomorphic processes include glaciation and periglaciation. Secondary fluvial stream deposition from the Blue and Swan Rivers along with Tenmile and Gore Creeks have built up the river basins. The stratigraphy and lithology include uplifted mountain ranges composed of predominately precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses. Soil taxa associated with this subsection include Cryumbrepts at the highest elevations along summits and cirque lands, Cryochrepts and Cryoboralfs along the flanks of the ranges and Cryoborolls along the valleys. Vegetation species include subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce, and alpine meadows with scree, tundra, and snowfields above treeline. At the lower elevations, aspen and lodgepole pine forests are interspersed with mountain shrublands. Special features There are no major peaks or other features in these areas. The primary attrac- or attractions tion to this area are upper and lower Black Lakes, which are located on private property outside of the units.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 33 Appendix C

Areas 19 and 20 resource uses

Vegetation There has been no vegetation treatment on the NFS lands in these areas. Much of the lower-elevation vegetation consists of dense stands of lodgepole pine in younger age classes. Recreation Use in these areas is limited year-round by the difficult access. The primary use season is during the fall hunting season. During this time, hunters access the area from FDR 1695 and the private property. Wildlife Black Lake East was identified in the 1984 Forest Plan as an area with critical big game winter range. This area supports a fairly large herd of elk and a moderately sized deer herd during the winter. Fishing near the area is limited to Black Lakes (private property) and Otter and Brush Creeks. Range These areas are part of the active Black Creek cattle allotment. Usual range improvements including fence lines and stock ponds may be found. Other FDR 1695 (Brush Creek Road) at one time was located within Black Lake East and the old roadbed is currently used to access Lost Lake within Eagles Nest Wilderness.

C __ 34 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 19 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 19 availability determination

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 35 Appendix C

Area 20 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... low Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... high Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 20 availability determination

1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 36 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Areas 21b and 21c Ute Pass (21b) and Acorn Creek (21c)

Acres 2,717 Ranger district Dillon History These areas were not identified in the RARE II analysis as being roadless. Portions of the areas adjoin the Williams Fork Roadless Area (35,894 acres) identified in the Routt NF Draft Environmental Impact Statement as being capable and available for Wilderness designation. Location and These areas are located north and east of Silverthorne in Summit County. access Motorized access is provided by County Road 15 (Ute Pass) to the north and Interstate 70 to the east. There is no public access along FDR 1908 (Bushee Creek). Forest development trails include Ute Peak, Ute Pass, Acorn Creek, Ptarmigan Peak (69), Ptarmigan Pass (30). Several non-system trails access the areas from private property in the Acorn Creek drainage. Public access and parking is available at Ute Pass and Acorn Creek. Surroundings The areas surround Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness on three sides. They are bounded on the west by US HWY 9, on the north by County Road 15, and on the southeast by Interstate 70. Physical and Elevations range from about 8,600 feet (Acorn Creek) to 12,303 feet (Ute biological Peak). The areas are described by the Indian Peaks/Williams Fork Mountain description ecological subsection of the White River NF landscape character description. Landforms are the result of complex erosion and deposition from glaciation, periglaciation, and mass-wasting processes. Other landform features include fluvial deposits from the Snake and South Fork of the Williams Rivers. This subsection is composed of high-relief mountains of the intermontaine basin complex. There are also uplifted hills with steep to moderately steep slopes. The stratigraphy and lithology include the exposed core of uplifted mountain range composed predominately of precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses; upper Cretaceous interbedded marine shales, and sandstone along the western flank of the Williams Fork Moun- tains. Vegetation types vary from aspen and grass shrubsteppe on the lower slopes to alpine tundra and meadowlands above treeline. The predominant vegetation types in these areas are aspen/grass shrubsteppe and lodgepole pine. Special features The major peak in the area is Ute Peak. From the Williams Fork ridgeline are or attractions outstanding views of the Gore Range. The area above the Eisenhower Tunnel is known as a ``land bridge'' that provides a wildlife travel corridor over Inter- state 70.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 37 Appendix C

Areas 21b and 21c resource uses

Vegetation Vegetation management in these areas has been limited to select harvesting associated with 19th century homesteading, ranching, and fire occurrence. The steep south-facing slopes combined with the grass shrubsteppe have a fairly frequent fire interval. Recreation The areas receive low-to-moderate use year-round. The south facing slopes offer backcountry access earlier than the surrounding areas. The close proximity of Silverthorne serves to give easy access to many homeowners in the vicinity. Recreation activities include hiking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, mountain biking, fishing and cross- country skiing. Snowmobile use is limited by the southern exposure and limited access. Hunting pressure is high from the Acorn Creek drainage. Wildlife The Colorado Division of Wildlife has identified the South Fork area as potential wolverine habitat. The lower portion of the Acorn Creek drainage was identified in the 1984 Forest Plan as being excellent winter range for elk and deer. Additionally, the higher elevations support a large herd of elk and a moderately sized herd of deer. Range The area is part of the Big Hole, Acorn (vacant), Pioneer (vacant) and Ptarmigan (vacant) cattle allotments. The usual range improvements are found within these allotments including fences and stock ponds. Other Throughout the areas is a network of roads, trails, fence lines, and water diversions that historically supported local ranches. There are problems with recreationists and private land owners constructing illegal roads and trails. Bar T and Eagles Nest Equestrian Center are outfitters that frequent the area during hunting season. J. Bower Stables is located on private property but uses a network of non-system trails on NFS lands.

C __ 38 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 21b capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... N/A Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... low Mountain climbing ...... medium Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low

Area 21b availability determination

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 39 Appendix C

Area 21c capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... N/A Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low

Area 21c availability determination

C __ 40 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 23 Deep Creek

Acres 10,812 Ranger district Eagle History Portions of the area were identified in the RARE II analysis as Deep Creek Roadless Area (11,060 acres). Location and The area is located northwest of Dotsero in Garfield County about three miles access south of Flat Tops Wilderness. There are no forest development roads in the unit. Access is primarily by FDT 1852 (Johnson Pasture), 2031 (Ute-Deep) and a non-system trail (Deep Creek). Two-wheeled motorized travel is permitted only on FDT 1852. Deep Lake is located in the northwestern portion of the unit. Surroundings The area is bounded on the southwest by FDR 600 (Coffee Pot Road) and FDR 618 (Jack Springs Road) on the northeast. The eastern margin is defined by the national forest and Bureau of Land Management boundaries. Physical and Elevations range from 7,200 feet (Deep Creek) to 10,000 feet (Deep Creek biological Overlook). The area falls within the Flat Tops ecological subsection of the description White River NF landscape character descriptions. This subsection is composed of a broad uplifted plateau composed of uplands and mountains and steeply flanked canyon sideslopes. Processes consist of glaciation and periglaciation with fluvial and colluvial influences, along with landslide deposition. The dominant feature of this area is the Deep Creek Canyon. This 2,000-foot deep, mile-wide canyon starts just below Deep Lake and continues to deepen and widen until ending just before Deep Creek empties into the Colorado River. Soil taxa consists of Cryoboralfs and Cryochrepts associated with coniferous forests. Cryobrolls are associated with aspen and grass shrub-steppe. Cryum- brepts are typically associated with alpine meadows. Vegetation in this area is sharply divided. Douglas-fir dominates the entire canyon below the rim. Open meadows occur on the uplands with stands of spruce-fir. Standing dead spruce trees are evidence of the 1940s beetle infestation. Special features There are many significant attractions to this unit. Deep Creek Canyon has or attractions been proposed as a research natural area, while Deep Creek has been proposed for Wild and Scenic River designation. The area also has regional significance because of its high concentration of caves. More than 40 caves have been identified in Deep Creek Canyon. Groaning Cave is the longest explored cave in Colorado.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 41 Appendix C

Area 23 resource uses

Vegetation The northeastern boundary is defined by a network of timber sale roads from the Tenmile, Ute, and Cross Creek sales. As were many areas within the Flat Tops, it was affected by the 1940s-50s spruce beetle epidemic, thus has numerous dead standing and downed trees present. The northwestern portion of the unit contains old roadbeds from salvage timber sales related to the beetle kill. Recreation The primary recreation use season is during the fall. Big-game hunting pressure is moderate-to-heavy. Summer use is light because of the lack of trails and steep terrain. There are recreation opportunities for hunting, horseback riding, four-wheel-drive use (around the area's perimeter), viewing scenery, and hiking. Caving and off-trail hiking also occurs in the canyon. Wildlife This area is used primarily for summer range for deer and elk. A transplanted herd of bighorn sheep has established itself in the area. Fishing opportunities are limited to Deep Lake and Deep Creek. Range The area is part of the Deep Creek and Coffee Pot active sheep allotments and the Lake Creek/Deep Creek active cattle allotment. Usual range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are present. Other There is a proposed limestone quarry on the southeastern boundary. The southeastern portion of the area has been withdrawn from mineral entry to protect cave resources.

C __ 42 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 23 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... medium Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... high Special features ...... high Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... high Conform with terrain ...... high Are manageable ...... high Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 23 availability determination

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 43 Appendix C

Roadless Area 28 Freeman Creek

Acres 890 Ranger district Holy Cross History The Freeman Creek roadless area was not identified in the RARE II inventory. Location and This area is located north of Vail in Eagle County. FDR 700 is a primitive road access that provides the primary access. Piney River Ranch, a resort operated by Vail Associates, is located on private property on the northeastern boundary. Surroundings The unit is bounded to the north by Eagles Nest Wilderness, west by private land boundaries, and by FDR 701 on the southern boundary. Physical and The elevation is approximately 9,200 feet at Dickson Creek. Landforms asso- biological ciated with the area are high- and low-relief mountain slopes described under description the Hardscrabble ecological subsection of the White River NF's landscape character descriptions. Soils fall within the Leadville Family of soils with 5- to 40-percent slopes. Soils are deep and well-drained and typically covered with a mat of lodgepole pine litter and duff. The surface layer is a brown cobbly loam about two inches thick. The subsoil is a pink cobbly clay loam greater than 45 inches thick. Vegetation types consist primarily of lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir and aspen. A large lower-montane willow carr has been identified by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program as significant and in relatively good condition. Special features Nearby dispersed areas adjacent to the primitive roads accessing these or attractions areas are very popular for camping because the broad open valley allows many opportunities for car camping in a primitive setting near a water source.

Area 28 resource uses

Vegetation The southwestern boundary was clearcut recently as part of the Dickson Creek timber sale. Recreation This area has a heavy summer and fall recreation emphasis because of its close proximity to the Town of Vail. FDR 700 is a major transportation corridor for visitors to Piney River Ranch. There is extensive camping, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding along the road, trail, and water corridors in these sections. These areas also have extensive big-game hunting use in the fall. FDR 410 has been closed to motorized travel for many years and currently is managed as a non-motorized trail. Piney River Ranch has

C __ 44 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

permits for various guided activities in this area, including snowmobiling, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Wildlife The area is classified by the Colorado Division of Wildlife as summer range for both elk and deer. A low amount of elk calving occurs in the surrounding area, generally associated with aspen and mixed conifer stands adjacent to natural meadows and drainages. Range The area is an active part of the Red and White Allotment that is permitted for sheep grazing annually. Other Three private parcels border the area. The northern parcel has the highest potential for development.

Area 28 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... medium Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... medium Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... high Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... high Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... high Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... high

Area 28 availability determination

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 45 Appendix C

C __ 46 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 29 Spraddle Creek

Acres 874 Ranger district Holy Cross History The Spraddle Creek roadless area is composed of the Spraddle Creek and Middle Creek RARE II areas which totaled 9,460 acres. Location and This area is located just north of Vail in Eagle County. FDR 737 is a primitive access road south of the area and is open to motorized travel. Nearby trails open to motorized use are FDT 1880 and 2135. Surroundings The area is bounded on the south by Interstate 70 and the Town of Vail or by national forest boundaries. The western boundary is defined by FDR 700. The northern boundary is defined by FDR 719 and Eagles Nest Wilderness. The eastern boundary is adjacent to Eagles Nest Wilderness. Physical and Elevations range from about 8,500 feet (FDR 700) to 12,136 feet (Bald Moun- biological tain). The area is characterized by varied topography. It is described in the description Mosquito-Gore Range ecological subsection of the White River NF landscape character descriptions. Associated landforms are high- and low-relief mountain slopes at middle and lower elevations. Soils are from the Scout-Leadville Fam- ily of soils with 5-40% slopes. This corresponds to back slopes, shoulders and benches formed in colluvium and residuum from sandstone. The soils are deep and well-drained and are covered with dead stem-wood. Vegetation types are primarily Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Lower- elevation slopes also contain lodgepole pine and decadent aspen stands. Special features Bald Mountain (12,136 feet) is a major attraction and the ridgeline which or attractions defines the boundary of Eagles Nest Wilderness is highly visible. The newly constructed Eiseman Hut, part of the 10th Mountain Hut Association system, is located on the northern boundary of this area.

Area 29 resource uses

Vegetation The northwestern road system that bounds this area was constructed for logging in the late-1940s. The area experience extensive logging operations, although substantial regeneration has taken place. Recreation The area has a heavy recreation emphasis throughout the year because of its close proximity to Vail. Middle Creek (FDT 2135) is a popular mountain bike trail accessed from the Lost Lake road system to provide a lengthy loop ride. Spraddle Creek Ranch is permitted to offer horseback riding and uses and maintains a permitted system of trails. The stables for the ranch are located on NFS lands near FDR 737. Additionally, this area is used for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, four-wheel-drive use, motorcycling, and hunting.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 47 Appendix C

Wildlife This area is classified by the Colorado Division of Wildlife as summer range for both elk and deer. A low amount of elk calving occurs in relatively snow- free areas along the bottoms of Middle Creek and the south fork of Red Sandstone Creek. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are also present in the general area. Range This area is an active part of the Red and White Allotment that is under permit for sheep grazing annually. Other The Spraddle Creek subdivison, a gated community, was constructed in 1995 on private property adjacent to the area. The potential is high for increased use and user-created non-system trail construction. Spraddle Creek Ranches reports increased conflicting uses of this limited area.

Area 29 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... N/A Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... low Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low

Area 29 availability determination

C __ 48 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 49 Appendix C

Roadless Area 34 Tenderfoot

Acres 11,075 Ranger district Dillon History This area was not identified as roadless in the RARE II roadless area analysis. Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness is the closest wilderness area and is approximately one-half mile to the north. Location and This area is located east of Silverthorne and Dillon and north of Keystone in access Summit County. Motorized access is provided by FDR 66 (Frey Gulch), 65 (Tenderfoot), and 66.2 Frey Gulch Way). Non-motorized access is provided by FDT 76 (Tenderfoot), and the Oro Grande Ditch trail. Additionally, there is a network of non-system trails that follows the ridgeline from Loveland Pass. Surroundings The area is bounded to the north by Interstate 70 and to the east by the Conti- nental Divide and US Highway 6. The powerline corridor that parallels High- way 6 forms the western boundary and the southern boundary is defined by the Frey Gulch timber sale treatment areas . Physical and Elevations range from approximately 9,400 feet at Straight Creek to 12,701 biological feet on the Continental Divide. The area is described by the Indian Peaks/ description Williams Fork Mountain ecological subsection of the White River NF landscape character descriptions. Landforms are the result of complex erosion and deposition from glaciation, periglaciation, and mass-wasting processes. Other landform features include fluvial deposits from the Snake and South Fork of the Williams Rivers. This subsection is composed of high-relief mountains of the intermontaine basin complex. There are also uplifted hills with steep to moderately steep slopes. The stratigraphy and lithology include the exposed core of uplifted mountain range composed predominately of precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses; upper Creta- ceous interbedded marine shales, and sandstone along the western flank of the Williams Fork Mountains. Vegetation types vary from lodgepole pine at lower elevations to Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir at higher elevations. Above treeline are alpine tundra and meadows. Special features The area contains portions of the proposed Porcupine RNA. The Continental or attractions Divide follows the eastern boundary. Tenderfoot Mountain is the only major peak in this area and it is found below treeline.

Area 34 resource uses

Vegetation The Frey Gulch timber sale defines the southern boundary of this area. Moun- tain pine beetles have been active in this area and both dead and live trees

C __ 50 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

were cut in this timber sale. The Tenderfoot roadless area has been used for forest product sales such as posts and poles and fuelwood collection. Recreation This primary use of this area results from day use out of the Keystone Resort. Recreation activities include hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, four-wheel-drive use, and dispersed camping. There is a low amount of snowmobiling. Pass Lake, near Loveland Pass, receives a high amount of use during the summer for hiking and viewing scenery. Loveland Pass also serves as a winter trailhead for snowboarders. Wildlife The western side of Tenderfoot Mountain was identified in the 1984 Forest Plan as critical winter range for big game. This area supports a large herd of elk and a moderate number of deer. The rest of the unit is used as summer and transition range by elk and deer. Range This area is part of the Tenderfoot vacant cattle allotment. The usual range improvements are found within these allotments including fences and stock ponds. Other Private property parcels in this area are owned by the Denver Water Board and have a low development potential. Outfitter/guides who operate in this area include Keystone Stables, which offers summer horseback riding. There is a microwave repeater with jeep road access (not shown on the map) located southwest of Tenderfoot Mountain.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 51 Appendix C

Area 34 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... high Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 34 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 52 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Areas 40a and 40b Mud Springs (40a) and Meadow Mountain (40b)

Acres 5,661 Ranger district Holy Cross History A portion of the Meadow Mountain roadless area was identified in the Holy Cross RARE II analysis (34,240 acres). Holy Cross Wilderness is adjacent to the southern boundary. Location and These areas are located south of Avon in Eagle County. FDT 2127 (Grouse access Creek), FDT 2129 (West Grouse), FDT 2128 (Martin) and FDR 748 (Meadow Mountain) and FDR 790 (Grouse) provide access. Additionally, there are non- system trails locally known as Whiskey Creek, Stone Creek, Paulie's Plunge, and Paulie's Sister and the Lionshead Jeep Road (711W) that transect the areas. Mud Springs (40A) is located between Arrowhead and Beaver Creek ski areas. Meadow Mountain (40B) is located in the Grouse Creek drainage. Surroundings The north and eastern boundaries of these areas are defined by the Town of Avon, the community of Eagle-Vail, and I-70 boundaries. The western boundary is the Beaver Creek ski area and the southern boundary is the Holy Cross Wilderness boundary. Physical and Elevations range from 7,226 feet (Dowd Junction) to 11,073 feet (an unnamed biological peak southeast of Grouse Lake). The areas are described in the Sawatch eco- description logical subsection of the White River NF landscape character descriptions. This subsection is composed of high-relief mountains shaped by the erosional processes of glaciation and periglaciation along with secondary fluvial and colluvial deopositional processes. Soil taxa are composed of Cryochrepts, Cryoboralfs, Cryumbrepts, and Cry- oborolls. The dominant vegetation type is spruce-fir forest, followed by grassland, meadow, and lodgepole pine. Special features There are no significant peaks or attractions in these units. Grouse and Water- or attractions dog lakes, which are located nearby in the Holy Cross Wilderness, are backcountry destinations.

Areas 40a and 40b resource uses

Vegetation These areas have had a variety of vegetation treatments ranging from select tree harvesting by early homesteaders, to clearcutting to develop the now- abandoned Meadow Mountain ski area. Recreation The close proximity of the units to Vail, Avon, and Minturn make them ideal for year-round recreation. During the winter FDR 748 and 790 are used by

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 53 Appendix C

snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers. During the summer season all roads and trails are used by hikers. Mountain biking occurs heavily on FDR 748 and throughout a network of non-system trails branching from this road system and the Beaver Creek ski area. This entire area is also used during the fall hunting season. During that period the trailheads are usually packed with horse trailers. Wildlife Elk that are seasonally present in the units belong to the Dowd Junction-Two Elk Creek Herd. The Whiskey and Stone Creek drainages have been identified as critical elk calving areas. Range These areas are part of the Meadow Mountain sheep allotment that is used annually. Other The Town of Minturn has submitted several proposals for development of the Martin Creek area. Additionally, the privately owned Bolts Lake parcel has potential for development. There is a Superfund mining cleanup site near the southeastern boundary of the area. Other signs of historic uses include an isolated cabin called the ``Line Shack'' and remnants of past grazing operations including several irrigation ditches.

C __ 54 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 40a capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... medium Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... low OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... low Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... low Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... low Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... low Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 40a availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 55 Appendix C

Area 40b capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

Area 40b availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 56 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 44 Hardscrabble

Acres 11,746 Ranger district(s) Eagle History A portion of this area was identified in the RARE II analysis as Hardscrabble Roadless area (9,300 acres). Location and The area is located south of Eagle and Gypsum in Eagle County about six access miles west of Holy Cross Wilderness. FDR 412 (Gypsum Creek) provides motorized access into its western portion. FDT 2222 (West Hardscrabble), 1865 (Dry Miller) and 1864 (Yates Gulch) provide non-motorized access. Surroundings The area is bounded on the southwest by FDR 412 (Gypsum Creek), FDR 413 to the south and east, and a system of timber sale roads on Hardscrabble to the northeast. The northern boundary is defined by the national forest and Bureau of Land Management boundaries. Physical and Elevations range from 7,600 feet (Gypsum Creek) to 10,499 feet (Hard- biological scrabble Mountain). The area falls within the Hardscrabble ecological subsec- description tion of the White River NF landscape character descriptions. The general landform is characterized by high-relief mountains and hills. Glaciation and periglaciation with fluvial and colluvial influences and some mass-wasting deposition processes define the landform. Soil taxa includes Cryoboralfs, Cryorthents, Cryumbrepts, and Cryoborolls. Most of the area is covered with Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Lodge- pole pine occurs on the slopes of Red Table Mountain. Some blue spruce is present along Gypsum Creek but is mostly found on private land. Special features Hardscrabble Mountain is the highest peak in the area. The limited road and or attractions trail access to this area offers outstanding opportunities for solitude. The lack of public access to Gypsum Creek detracts from the opportunities for fishing along its shores.

Area 44 resource uses

Vegetation The northern boundary of this area is defined by a network of timber sale roads collectively known as the Hardscrabble (north) timber sale. Recreation Overall, summer use in the area is low with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Increasing use of the area has led to increased conflicts between recreation users. Several miles of roads in the northern part of the unit have been obliterated. Motorized users continue to pioneer illegal trails and roads in the area. The area receives a moderate amount of hunting pressure during the fall.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 57 Appendix C

Wildlife This area is grazed by deer and elk during the summer months and portions of the area are used as winter range. Deer range the lower and steeper bare slopes during the winter months. There is no existing or potential fishery within the area. Range The area is part of the Gypsum Creek active cattle allotment. Usual range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are present. Special uses Copper King, an unpatented mining claim, is located within the unit. Currently it is not operating.

Area 44 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... low Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 44 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no

C __ 58 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 59 Appendix C

Roadless Area 46 Tenmile

Acres 6,573 Ranger district Dillon History This area was identified in the RARE II roadless area analysis as the Tenmile roadless area (28,200 acres). Location and The unit is located south of Frisco and west of Breckenridge in Summit access County. The Eagles Nest Wilderness is about one-half mile to the north (across Interstate 70). Motorized access is provided by FDR 1000 (Miners Creek), 1002 (Masontown), 751 (Breckenridge Ski Area), 803 (Crystal Creek), 851 (McCullough Gulch), 850 (Blue Lakes), 1178 (Mayflower Gulch), 3 (North Barton), 290 (Mohawk Lake), and County Road 800 (Spruce Creek). Addition- ally, there is motorized access from the McDill subdivision on the southeastern boundary. County Road 950 (Gold Hill) and Wheeler Flats provide trailhead access along the northern end of the unit. There is no motorized trail access. Non-motorized trail access is provided by FDT 38 (Miners Creek/CO Trail), 44 (Crystal Lake), 45 (Peaks), 58 (Spruce Creek), 58.1A (Mayflower Lakes), 79 (Gold Hill), 80 (Burro), 39 (Wheeler National Recreation Trail). The Vail Pass/Tenmile Canyon bike path provides access to the eastern side. Surroundings The area is bounded to the north by Frisco, to the east by private property and US Highway 9, to the west by Interstate 70, and to the south by the Continen- tal Divide and the Pike-San Isabel NF and White River NF boundaries. The AMAX mine is located on the southwestern boundary. Physical and Elevations range from about 9,600 feet to 14,265 feet (Quandary Peak). This biological area is described by the Gore/Mosquito Ranges ecological subsection of the description White River NF landscape character description. Landform features include scoured bowl-like cirque headwalls and floors, U-shaped valleys, couloirs, talus slopes, and rounded mountain slopes. This subsection is composed of north-south-laying high-relief mountains. Dominant geomorphic processes include glaciation and periglaciation. Secondary fluvial stream deposition from the Blue and Swan Rivers along with Tenmile and Gore Creeks have built up the river basins. The stratigraphy and lithology include uplifted mountain ranges composed of predominately precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses. Soil taxa associated with this subsection include Cryumbrepts at the highest elevations along summits and cirque lands, Cryochrepts and Cryoboralfs along the flanks of the ranges and Cryoborolls along the valleys. Vegetation species include subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce, and alpine meadows, with scree, tundra, and snowfields above treeline. At the lowest elevations, aspen and lodgepole pine forests are interspersed with mountain shrublands.

C __ 60 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Special features Despite the many roads that access the periphery of this area, the majority of or attractions the unit is unroaded. Major peaks in the area include Quandary Peak, Fletcher Mountain, North Star Mountain, Pacific Peak, Crystal Peak, Mount Helen, Peak 10, Peak 9, Peak 8, Peak 7, Peak 6, Peak 5, Peak 4, Peak 3, Tenmile Peak and Peak 1. There are abundant water resources including Blue, Mohawk, Mayflower, Crystal, and Rainbow Lakes. Most drainages have year- round streamflow.

Area 46 resource uses

Vegetation More than 50% of this unit is above treeline and is composed of the craggy peaks of the Tenmile Range. There has been select timber harvesting throughout the area to support the mining industry. Additionally, around the periphery, the North and South Barton timber sales harvested Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir and the Ophir Mountain timber sale harvested lodgepole pine. Miners Creek Timber sale harvested lodgepole pine killed by a mountain pine beetle outbreak. Recreation Recreation use is heavy during the summer and winter seasons but has a low fall (hunting season) use. Much of the use stems from the Breckenridge Ski area. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing, and camping. There are problems with illegal snowmobile use in the Ophir Mountain area. Illegal non-system trails have been created in the Peak 7, Miners Creek, and Breckenridge area for hiking and mountain biking. Francie's Cabin, part of the Summit Hut Association system, is near the unit's eastern boundary. Wildlife The area has been identified by the Colorado Division of Wildlife as potential lynx habitat. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are found along the Tenmile ridgeline. Big game (elk, deer, and bear) use the lower elevations for summer and transition range. There have been problems with nearby homeowners attracting bears by improperly storing garbage and bird seed. Blue Lakes is stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Miners Creek is also a popular fishing area. Range This area is part of several miscellaneous allotments for recreational stock grazing. Evidence of more intensive grazing, such as fences as stock ponds, may be found. Other The U.S. Army has a memorandum of understanding with the White River NF to perform winter maneuvers within the area. Numerous outfitters and guides are permitted to lead mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing trips. Near Breckenridge there have been problems with illegal residential squatting on NFS lands. Throughout the area are isolated cabins and historic mining structures, including the Mohawk Lake sites owned by Colorado Springs and Aurora. Colorado Springs is permitted for the McCullough and Quandary water diversion tunnels in the unit's southern portion. Blue Lakes Reservoir and a variety of unnamed ditches are additional water projects. The private parcel

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 61 Appendix C

in the northern part of this unit is owned by Summit County and the potential for development is low. The southern end of the unit has an active gold mining operation (McCullough Gulch).

Area 46 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... medium Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... low Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... high Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low

Area 46 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 62 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 48 Gypsum Creek

Acres 17,969 Ranger district Eagle History Portions of this unit were part of the RARE II Red Table North Roadless area (18,880 acres). Location and This area is south of Gypsum in Eagle County about 10 miles west of Holy access Cross Wilderness. FDR 464 (Red Table) provides motorized access into the northern portion. The Fish Pond Trail is a non-system trail in the northern part of the unit used by range permittees (primarily for stock and foot travel). FDT 1863 (Sundell) traverses the eastern half. Surroundings The area is bounded on the east by FDR 412 (Gypsum Creek) and 425 (Red Creek). The southwestern boundary is defined by a FDR 514 and a series of timber sale roads. FDR 430 (Powerline) defines the northern boundary. Physical and Elevations range from 7,600 feet (Gypsum Creek) to 11,161 feet (Red Table biological Mountain). The area falls within the Hardscrabble ecological subsection of the description White River NF landscape character descriptions. The general landform is characterized by high-relief mountains and hills. Glaciation and periglaciation with fluvial and colluvial influences and some mass-wasting deposition processes define the landform. Soil taxa includes Cryoboralfs, Cryorthents, Cryumbrepts, and Cryoborolls. Most of the area is covered with Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir with lodgepole pine occurring on the slopes of Red Table Mountain. Some blue spruce occurs along Gypsum Creek but is mostly found on private land. Special features Red Table Mountain is the highest peak in the area. The limited road and trail or attractions access to this area offers outstanding opportunities for solitude. The lack of public access to Gypsum Creek detracts from the fishing opportunities along its bank.

Area 48 resource uses

Vegetation The southern boundary of this area is defined by a network of timber sale roads that were developed to harvest beetle-killed spruce trees. There also have been small sales in the area for fuelwood. Recreation There are opportunities in this area for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting. Overall summer use in the area is low but increasing use of the area has led to conflicts between recreation users. The northwest portion of this unit has a high concentration of illegal OHV use. The highest use of this area occurs on the easter boundary from the Red Creek Road and in the Mickey Lake area. This area receives a moderate amount of hunting pressure

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 63 Appendix C

during the fall. Wildlife The area is used as summer and transition range for deer and elk.

Range The area is part of the Cottonwood and Gypsum Creek active cattle allotments. Usual range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are present. Special uses Outfitters and guides include OFC Outfitting, John Jodrie, and Colorado Out- ward Bound. At the northern end of the Red Table road system is an area that has been permitted for oil and gas drilling in the past. It is not active at this time. An FAA communications tower is located at the head of the Sugarloaf drainage (in the western portion of the unit) and is highly visible from the Red Table Mountain ridgeline. A Public Service 230 KV transmission line traverses the area on the eastern side. Sundell Reservoir and the Gould Creek Ditch are also under permit.

Area 48 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... low Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 48 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no

C __ 64 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 65 Appendix C

Roadless Area 49 Adam Mountain

Acres 8,208 Ranger district Eagle History Adam Mountain is part of the RARE II Adam Mountain roadless area inventory (5,700 acres). Location and The area is located south of Eagle in Eagle County about three miles west of access Holy Cross Wilderness. FDR 400 (Brush Creek) and FDR 415 (East Brush Creek) provide motorized access on the unit's western and eastern portions. FDT 1872 (Sneve Gulch) provides non-motorized access. Surroundings The area is bounded on the east by FDR 415 (East Brush Creek). FDR 400 is the western boundary. A series of timber sale roads (Hat Creek) constitute the southeastern boundary. Physical and Elevations range from 7,600 feet (East Brush Creek) to 11,158 feet (Eve biological Mountain).The area falls within the Hardscrabble ecological subsection of the description White River NF landscape character descriptions. General landforms are characterized by high-relief mountains and hills. Glaciation and periglaciation with fluvial and colluvia influences and some mass-wasting deposition processes define the landform. Soil taxa includes Cryoboralfs, Cryorthents, Cryumbrepts and Cryoborolls.

The northern slopes of Adam Mountain are covered with dense stands of pole- sized lodgepole pine. At higher elevations these pine stands transition into spruce-fir. Special features Adam and Eve Mountains are highly visible peaks. A primary destination near or attractions the area's southwestern boundary is the Sylvan Lake State Recreation Area, which is managed by Colorado State Parks. Access is restricted along East Brush Creek, thus fishing is limited primarily to Sylvan Lake and Yeoman Park.

Area 49 resource uses

Vegetation The southeastern boundary is defined by a network of timber sale roads collectively known as the Hat Creek timber sale. Recreation During the summer most recreation use is concentrated around East Brush Creek, Yeoman Park, and Sylvan Lake. The primary uses are hiking and horseback riding (low level of use). Fishing occurs at Sylvan Lake but public access in East Brush Creek is limited. Hunting use of the area during the fall is moderate. Winter use is low and is concentrated toward non-motorized activities.

C __ 66 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Wildlife The area is used year-round by a small band of elk and as summer range for other big-game species including deer and bear. South-facing slopes of some of the secondary drainages in West Brush Creek are frequented by elk during most winters. There is no existing or potential fishery in the area. Range The area is part of the West Brush Creek and East Brush Creek active cattle allotments. Customary range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are present. Other The Adams Rib ski area proposal is no longer being considered by the Forest Service.

Area 49 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... N/A Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... high Conform with terrain ...... high Are manageable ...... high Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 49 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 67 Appendix C

C __ 68 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 50 Tigiwon

Acres 1,990 Ranger district Holy Cross History Portions of this area were identified in the RARE II roadless analysis as #170 Holy Cross. Location and This area is located south of Minturn in Eagle County. Motorized access is access provided by FDR 707 (Tigiwon Road) on the western side and FDR 706 (Peterson Creek) on the eastern side. FDT 2001 (Fall Creek) provides non- motorized access into the southwestern corner. Surroundings Holy Cross Wilderness, designated in 1980, surrounds the unit on three sides. The northeastern boundary is defined by the private property and national forest boundaries near the Eagle River. Much of this private land is within the Eagle Mine Superfund site. Physical and Elevations range from about 8,200 feet at the Eagle River to 11,054 feet (an biological unnamed peak on the Holy Cross Wilderness boundary). The area is description described in the Sawatch ecological subsection of the White River NF landscape character descriptions and is characterized by varied topography. This subsection is composed of high-relief mountains shaped by the erosional processes of glacation and periglaciation along with secondary fluvial and colluvial deopositional processes. Landforms include scoured blow like cirque walls and floors, glaciated ridgetops and mountainside slopes, talus slopes, couloirs, and U-shaped valleys. The stratigraphy and lithology include the exposed core of the uplifted mountain range composed predominately of precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses. Some exposed tertiary intrusive rocks are also included granodiorite.Soil taxa are composed of Cryochrepts, Cryoboralfs, Cryumbrepts, and Cryoborolls. Most of the unit lies below treeline. Vegetation species include subalpine-fir and Engelmann spruce, alpine meadows, and scree, tundra, and snowfields above treeline. At the lowest elevations aspen and lodgepole pine forests are interspersed with mountain shrublands. Special features Tigiwon Road (FDR 707) is a major access route to Holy Cross Wilderness, or attractions particularly for visitors to Mount of the Holy Cross. There are no major peaks in the unit. Tigiwon Lodge, located on the southwestern boundary of this area, is a significant attraction.

Area 50 resource uses

Vegetation There have been no recent timber sales in the area, but historically the unit had selected harvest throughout to support homesteading and mining. Its

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 69 Appendix C

northwestern boundary is adjacent to a timber sale area harvested in the 1980s for lodgepole pine. An old sawmill site is at the head of the Peterson Creek drainage. Recreation Recreation use occurs year-round. Tigiwon Road (FDR 707) is a primary access route in the summer for Holy Cross Wilderness (Cross Creek, Fall Creek, and Halfmoon Pass trailheads) and for people climbing to the summit of Mount of the Holy Cross or to viewpoints on Notch Mountain. During the winter, this road is used by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. Nova Guides has a permitted snowmobile operation along this route and has snowmobile snow play areas within the unit. FDR 706 (Peterson Creek) is a four-wheel-drive route maintained by the Holy Cross Jeep Club. Recreation activities include hiking, mountain biking, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting. Use is primarily confined to the road corridors except for snowmobile snow play and hunting. There is a moderate level of hunting pressure in this area. Tigiwon Lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is a year-round large-group destination that offers outstanding views of the Gore Range and Battle Mountain. Wildlife The area is used as summer and transition range for big game, including deer, elk, and bear. Range There are no active grazing allotments. Other The potential is high for development of patented mining claims in the northeastern part of the area. Currently, there is an application to construct a road through the unit to access one of these sites.

C __ 70 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 50 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

Area 50 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 71 Appendix C

Roadless Area 51b Basalt Mountain

Acreage 7,613 Ranger district Sopris History This unit is part of the western half of the RARE II unit called ``Red Tables,'' #176. It is not adjacent to a wilderness area. It could be combined with Unit #53 if the Taylor Creek road, which is not legally open to motorized use under the current travel management plan, were to be eliminated. Location and The area is located is north of Basalt in Eagle County. One cherrystem road, access the Toner Creek road, provides private land and CDOW access. Two system trails border the area but are not open to motorized use: FDT 1909 (Cattle Creek) and 1912 (Basalt Mountain). The Toner Creek trail is a well-used non- system non-motorized trail used mainly by an outfitter. Surroundings The unit is bordered on the north by the FDT 1909 bicycle trail and historic timber harvest areas, on east by the Taylor Creek road, on the south by private and state (CDOW) lands, and on the west by the section line running north-south dividing sections 29-30 and 31-32. Physical and Elevations range from about 7,000 feet near the Fryingpan River to about biological 10,800 feet. There is a variety of terrain from rolling to steep slopes and cliffs. description A wide variety of vegetation includes sagebrush, open meadows, pinyon- juniper, oak, aspen, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and spruce-fir. The only lake within the unit is Toner Reservoir, a small, mostly dry impoundment. Special features Basalt outcrops and talus are characteristically associated with Basalt Moun- or attractions tain. Dramatic red sandstone buttes at Seven Castles are a landform not usually associated with mountain topography. Cultural features include remains of an old Forest Service fire tower on Basalt Mountain summit.

Area 51b resource uses

Vegetation The unit is adjacent to recent and proposed timber harvest areas at Basalt Mountain and Red Table Mountain. Areas within the unit are under analysis for proposed timber harvest on Basalt Mountain. Recreation The Basalt Mountain and Cattle Creek trails were recently reconstructed to emphasize mountain bike use, and receive a moderate amount of such use. A moderate-to-heavy amount of hunting occurs, mainly for elk. Outfitter-guide uses include summer horse rides and hunting. There is some viewing of bighorn sheep. Some illegal motorized use (motorcycle and ATVs) occurs on the bicycle trails and other areas. Some winter use occurs, mainly snowmobiling and a small amount of cross-country skiing.

C __ 72 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Minerals The potential is believed to be low. Wildlife The area is winter range for bighorn sheep and elk at lower elevations. Elk calving occurs in the unit. Peregrine falcons have historically been seen in the Seven Castles area. A sensitive plant species has been found. Range There are two active cattle allotments (Basalt Mountain and the west half of Taylor Creek). Normal range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are present. Water Water developments include the Toner reservoir impoundment. Fire Portions of lower elevations have been actively managed with prescribed fire. The top of Basalt Mountain has very heavy fuel loading, and there is concern that a catastrophic wildfire could occur. Special Uses A special-use sheep rearing pasture (believed to be inactive) is under permit to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 73 Appendix C

Area 51b capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... medium Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... high Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... low Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... low Mountain climbing ...... N/A Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... low Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 51b availability determination (see footnote) 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... 1 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no 1 There is valuable commercial timber on top of Basalt Mountain. Designation as Wilderness would preclude opportunities to manage this timber. Fuel loading on top of Basalt Mountain may require treatment to reduce the chance of catastrophic fire.

C __ 74 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 52 Woods Lake

Acres 12,205 Ranger district Sopris History This unit is part of the RARE II unit #170, which was called ``Holy Cross." Location and The area is located south of Eagle and northeast of Meredith and Thomasville access in Eagle and Pitkin Counties. Numerous cherry stems were created for mining access on the Eagle District. These roads (FDR 426, FDR 418 and FDR 646) access 30 to 40 patented mining claims inside the north end of the unit, near New York Mountain. The Woods Lake Road (FDR507) and the Slim Jim Road both access private property and create cherry stems into Unit 52. Addition- ally, FDT 1898 (Nolan Lake), #2221 (New York Mountain), #1899 (Lake Charles), #1873 (Iron Edge), #1917 (Tellurium), #1945 (Last Chance), and #1915 (Eagle Lake) access Holy Cross Wilderness through the unit. FDT 1928 (Woods Lake) is a system trail that is outside Holy Cross Wilderness. Slim Jim trail is a non-system trail outside the Wilderness. Surroundings The west boundary is formed by the Burnt Mountain Road (FDR 506), Eagle/ Thomasville Road (FDR 400) and logging roads (in the Hat Creek area). The southern boundary is delineated by the north fork of the Fryingpan Road (FDR 501). The eastern boundary is the Holy Cross Wilderness. The northern border is created by the logging roads on the Eagle District ( in the McGinley sale area) and FDR 646 to the Fulford Cave area. There is a major private property cherry stem (Woods Lake) which together with its access road nearly bisects the unit. There may be some potential for additional development of private land inholdings within the unit. Physical and Elevations range from 8,800 feet to 12,050 feet (Mount Charles). The area biological falls within the Sawatch ecological subsection of the White River NF land- description scape character descriptions. The terrain is generally rolling, with some steep sections. The main creeks are Last Chance and Upper Lime. The vegetation is lodgepole in the mid-range, spruce-fir, aspen and meadows in the upper sections and willows in the riparian areas. Scree, tundra and snowfields exist above treeline. There is a large beaver pond north of Last Chance in Section 11 on Little Lime Creek. Soil taxa include Cryochrepts, Cry- oboralfs, Cryumbrepts, and Cryoborolls. Special features The unit features karst topography. Two 10th Mountain Hut Association huts, or attractions Peter Estin and Polar Star, are inside the unit on the Eagle District and are used year-round. Fulford Cave, a significant cave resource, is located on the western boundary. New York Mountain, Charles Peak, Craig Peak, and Burnt Mountain are major peaks that are on the eastern boundary of this unit. Old logging camps are found above Elk Wallow Campground. An old stamp mill is

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 75 Appendix C

on the ridge between Lime Creek and Little Lime Creek, and several historic sawmill sites (one near Tellurium Trail) are scattered throughout area.

Area 52 resource uses

Vegetation Fuelwood gathering occurs near the unit. Some timber that had been marked but never cut is south of the Last Chance Trail. A timber sale is being considered along the ridge south of Last Chance creek and along the Tellurium Lake trail area, but those units within the old RARE II area may be dropped from further analysis for timber harvest. Recreation Uses include hiking, hunting, mountain biking, hut use, snowmobiling, fishing and horseback riding. Outfitter/guides provide for summer and winter uses and hunting services. Winter and summer use in the northern section of this unit has greatly increased since the Polar Star and Estin Huts were constructed. These year-round destinations are on private property. The Harry Gates hut is located on NFS land adjacent to the unit, and also is a focal point for winter and summer uses. Minerals Commercial building rock is collected under a mineral material sale permit along trail #1917. There is moderate hard rock potential in most of the area. The patented mining claims in the New York Mountain area have a high potential for development. Range The unit is part of the Lime Creek Park cattle allotment, with associated range improvements. The northern section is part of the East Brush Creek active cattle allotment, with usual improvements including stock ponds, salt and fences. Water Woods Lake and Crooked Creek Reservoirs are adjacent to but not inside the unit. Fire The Burnt Mountain historic fire occurred within the area.

C __ 76 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 52 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... medium Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Caving high Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... N/A Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... high Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... high

Area 52 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 77 Appendix C

Roadless Area 53a Red Table

Acreage 39,095 Ranger districts Eagle and Sopris History This unit is part of the eastern half of the RARE II unit called ``Red Tables,'' #176. It is not adjacent to any Wilderness. It could be combined with Unit #51B if the Taylor Creek road, which is not legally open to motorized use under the current travel management plan, were to be eliminated. The area also could be combined with Unit #48 if FDR 425 along Red Creek were to be eliminated. FDR 425 is a legally open 4WD road. Location and This unit is located north of the communities of Meredith and Thomasville in access Eagle County. There are several cherry-stemmed roads into the unit. These include roads associated with private property near Ruedi Reservoir, Downey Creek, and Spring Creek. The FDR 512 roads and spurs associated with the Jakeman timber sale area border the unit on the east. The Gypsum Creek road (FDR 412) bisects the northern half of the area and provides motorized access to LEDE Reservoir. System trails through the unit include FDT 1870 (Mt. Thomas), FDT 1912 (Ruedi), FDT 1871 (Antones), and FDT 2224 (Lost Lake). FDT 1912 is not legally open to motorized use but receives frequent illegal motorcycle use. FDT 1870 and FDT 1871 are singletrack trails that are legally open to motorized use. Both trails receive light motorized use because of the difficult terrain. Surroundings The unit is bordered on the north by the Powerline-Gypsum Creek roads (FDR 412), on the east by the Jakeman timber roads, on the south by private lands along the Fryingpan River and a powerline, and on the west by FDR 425 (Red Creek), FDR 514 (Red Table Road) and the Taylor Creek road. There is private land development on the north and south sides of the unit. Physical and Elevations range from about 7,000 feet at Taylor Creek to more than 12,000 biological feet at Ruedi Peak on Red Table Mountain. There is a variety of terrain from description rolling to steep slopes and cliffs. A variety of vegetation includes sagebrush, open meadows, pinyon-juniper, oak, aspen, and spruce-fir. Numerous cirque lakes are found below the ridge of Red Table Mountain, mainly on the north side of the ridge on the Eagle District. Special features Red Table Mountain is a massive red sandstone mountain of the Maroon for- or attractions mation, with extensive area above timberline. Spectacular views of five differ- ent wilderness areas are to be found all along the length of the summit. There are excellent opportunities for solitude.

C __ 78 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 53a resource uses

Vegetation The unit is adjacent to recent and proposed timber harvest areas at Jakeman, Coyote Park, and Billings Springs, all on the east side. It is also adjacent to recent timber harvesting along FDR 514 (Red Table road). There is evidence of timber harvesting (primarily post and poles) on the east and west sides of FDR 412 near LEDE Reservoir. This area was also the site of a now- abandoned sawmill. Recreation A trail legally open to motorcycle use (Mt. Thomas) bisects the unit. This trail receives low use by motorcycles because of its technical difficulty, and moderately low use by hikers and mountain bikers because of the lack of water. The Ruedi trail receives moderate hiking and bicycle use because it connects to a large developed recreation complex at Ruedi Reservoir. Some illegal motorized use occurs on this trail, and illegal motorized use also originates from the Jakeman area. Some hunting use occurs, mainly for elk, especially on the east side of the unit. There is some outfitter-guide use, mainly for hunting. The CDOW stocks Lost Lake with fish and it receives a moderate amount of use during the summer. Minerals The potential is believed to be low. Wildlife The area is summer range and some winter range for bighorn sheep, and summer and winter range for elk. Elk calving occurs in the unit. There may be habitat for peregrine falcons in cliff areas. A Region 2 sensitive plant species, Harrington's penstamon, is found in the unit. Range There are parts of three active cattle allotments on the Sopris side (east half of Taylor Creek, Downey-Frenchman, and a small part of the Lime Park allotment). This is also part of the Gypsum Creek active cattle allotment on the Eagle Ranger district. Usual range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are present. Water Water developments include several ditches including one from Antones Creek to LEDE reservoir. Fire Portions of the lower elevations near the Fryingpan River have been actively managed with prescribed fire. Special uses In addition to the water developments noted above, there is a special-use isolated cabin under permit to CDOW, and a special-use pasture. An FAA tower is located at the head of the Sugarloaf drainage (immediately to the west of the area) and is highly visible from within the area.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 79 Appendix C

Area 53a capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... high Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 53a availability determination (see footnote) 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... 1 1 All NFS roads and trails currently open to motorized and mechanized use in this unit would have to be closed to those uses.

C __ 80 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 54 Homestake

Acres 4,089 Ranger district Holy Cross History A portion of this area was identified in the RARE II analysis as roadless area #170, Holy Cross. Location and This area is south of Minturn and west of Camp Hale in Eagle County, adja- access cent to Holy Cross Wilderness. Motorized access is provided by FDR 703 (Homestake) on the western side and FDR 705 (No Name) on the eastern side. There is a network of non-system roads and bridges that cross Home- stake Creek to reach two summer home tracts and private property along the creek. There are no system trails within the unit. Surroundings Holy Cross Wilderness, designated in 1980, is adjacent to the southern boundary. The eastern boundary is defined by FDR 705 (No Name) and the western boundary by FDR 703 (Homestake). The northern boundary is defined by US Highway 24 and the railroad corridor. Physical and Elevations range from about 9,000 feet at Homestake Creek to 11,520 feet at biological the Holy Cross Wilderness boundary. The area is described in the Sawatch description ecological subsection of the White River NF landscape character descriptions and is characterized by varied topography. This subsection is composed of high-relief mountains shaped by the erosional processes of glacation and periglaciation along with secondary fluvial and colluvial deopositional processes. Landforms include scoured bowl-like cirque walls and floors, glaciated ridgetops and mountainside slopes, talus slopes, couloirs, and U-shaped valleys. The stratigraphy and lithology include the exposed core of the uplifted mountain range composed of predominately of precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses. Some exposed tertiary instrusive rocks are also included granodiorite. Soil taxa include Cryochrepts, Cryobo- ralfs, Cryumbrepts, and Cryoborolls. Most of the unit lies below treeline. Vegetation species include subalpine-fir and Engelmann spruce predominately, with aspen and lodgepole pine forests in the lower elevations. Special features There are no major peaks or special attractions within this area. The unit or attractions is significant for its lack of roads and trails and for its opportunities for solitude.

Area 54 resource uses

Vegetation The southeastern boundary of the area supported lodgepole and spruce-fir timber sales during the 1970s (No Name).

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 81 Appendix C

Recreation Recreation use occurs year-round. Use is primarily confined to the Homestake and No Name road corridors and along Homestake Creek. The primary use season is during the summer with driving, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping being the primary activities. Blodgett and Gold Park campgrounds are located along the western boundary. There is a moderate amount of hunting pressure during the fall. Use is low during the winter, but Homestake and No Name roads are used as a route for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Wildlife The western boundary has been identified by the Colorado Division of Wildlife as critical winter habitat for a large herd of elk and a moderately sized herd of deer. CDOW has proposed to transplant bighorn sheep in potential roadless area unit #56 (No Name), which is located immediately to the south. Other The Homestake road is maintained in part by the cities of Colorado Springs and Aurora to access Homestake Reservoir. There are multiple parcels of private property along the western boundary and the potential for development is high. In addition, the Forest Service has permitted five recreation residences along this boundary. Currently there are two applications for ditch bill easements. The southwest corner has several patented and unpatented mining claims. These claims are accessed by a non-system jeep road that starts at Gold Park Campground.

C __ 82 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 54 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... high Conform with terrain ...... high Are manageable ...... high Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 54 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 83 Appendix C

Roadless Area 56 Hoosier Ridge

Acres 6,054 Ranger district Dillon History This area was identified in the RARE II roadless area analysis under the name of Red Peak, with 5,630 acres. Location and The unit is south of Breckenridge and north of Hoosier Pass in Summit County access about five miles south of Eagles Nest Wilderness. Motorized access into and around the area is provided by FDR 10 (Boreas Pass), US HWY 9, 693 (Indi- ana), 611 (Pennsylvania), and 600 (Fredonia). There are no system trails accessing the unit, although a network of non-system trails lead into it from housing developments on its eastern border. Surroundings The area is bounded on the north by FDR 693 (Indiana Creek), on the south and east by the White River NF and Pike-San Isabel NF forest boundaries, and on the west by US Highway 9 and private properties parallel to it. Devel- opment on the western boundary includes the Town of Blue River, Quandry Village Estates, Tordal Estates, and Spruce Valley Ranch. Physical and Elevations range from about 10,600 feet to Red Peak's summit of 13,215 feet. biological The area is described by the Gore/Mosquito Ranges ecological subsection of description the White River NF landscape character descriptions. Landform features include scoured bowl-like cirque headwalls and floors, U-shaped valleys, couloirs, talus slopes, and rounded mountain slopes. This subsection is composed of north-south-oriented high-relief mountains. Dominant geomorphic processes include glaciation and periglaciation. Secondary fluvial stream deposition from the Blue and Swan Rivers along with Tenmile and Gore Creeks has built up the river basins. The stratigraphy and lithology include uplifted mountain ranges composed of predominately precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses. Soil taxa include Cryumbrepts at the highest elevations along summits and cirque lands, Cryo- chrepts and Cryoboralfs along the flanks of the ranges, and Cryoborolls along the valleys. Vegetation species include subalpine-fir and Engelmann spruce, and alpine meadows, with scree, tundra, and snowfields above treeline. Lodgepole pine forests at the lower elevations cover about two-thirds of the unit. Special features The Continental Divide and the major peaks along its ridgeline are a signifi- or attractions cant attraction. Major peaks include Red Peak, Red Mountain, and Mount Argentine. Hoosier Pass and Boreas Pass mark the unit's southern and eastern boundaries. The Boreas Pass Road from Breckenridge to Como is an historic railroad grade with an extremely high amount of use year-round.

C __ 84 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

The newly restored Boreas Pass Section House is located on the eastern boundary of the unit. In its southern portion is the Hoosier Ridge RNA. The Dyersville town site is another historic cultural feature.

Area 56 resource uses

Vegetation Within the Hoosier Ridge RNA, numerous sensitive plant species have been identified. Historic timber harvesting occurred throughout the area to support mining operations. Recreation Recreation activities include hiking, mountain biking, four-wheel-drive use, hunting, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, dog walking, and driving to view scenery. There is a system of marked cross-country ski trails in the Bemrose drainage. Limited public access deters some recreation use. The primary access points are from Hoosier Ridge and Boreas Pass. There is no public easement through Indiana and Pennsylvania Creek Roads although current landowners are allowing passage. Illegal motorized use occurs on a non-system route from Pennsylvania Creek east across to the Tarryall drainage. Wildlife The area does not have any significant wildlife habitat. It is used by deer and elk for summer range. There have been problems with homeowners near the area attracting bears by improperly storing garbage and bird seed. Other A communication site is located on Hoosier Ridge and a powerline corridor crosses the unit's eastern portion. Isolated cabins from the mining era are found throughout the area. Warriors Mark Mine and Dyersvile, on the eastern boundary, also contain historic structures from the mining period. A surface water diversion runs along Boreas pass near the eastern boundary.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 85 Appendix C

Area 56 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... high Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... medium Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low

Area 56 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 86 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 57 No Name

Acres 3,185 Ranger district Holy Cross History A portion of this area was identified in the RARE II analysis as roadless area #170, Holy Cross. Location and The area is south of Minturn and west of Camp Hale in Eagle County, and bor- access ders Holy Cross Wilderness on its southern boundary. Motorized access is provided by FDR 705 (No Name Road) on the eastern side. There are no system trails within the unit. Surroundings Holy Cross Wilderness, designated in 1980, is adjacent to the unit's western boundary. The eastern boundary is defined by FDR 705 (No Name Road) and the western boundary by the Continental Divide and the Pike-San Isabel NF and White River NF boundaries. Physical and Elevations range from about 10,800 feet at No Name Road to 12,696 feet at biological the Holy Cross Wilderness boundary. The area is described in the Sawatch description ecological subsection of the White River NF's landscape character descriptions and is characterized by varied topography. This subsection is composed of high-relief mountains shaped by the erosional processes of glacation and periglaciation along with secondary fluvial and colluvial deopositional processes. Landforms include scoured bowl-like cirque walls and floors, glaciated ridgetops and mountainside slopes, talus slopes, couloirs, and U-shaped valleys. The stratigraphy and lithology include the exposed core of the uplifted mountain range composed predominately of precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses. Some exposed tertiary intrusive rocks also include granodiorite. Soil taxa are composed of Cryochrepts, Cryoboralfs, Cryumbrepts, and Cryoborolls. Homestake Ridge, along the unit's southwestern boundary, is completely above treeline. Vegetation species include subalpine-fir and Engelmann spruce, alpine meadows, and scree, tundra, and snowfields above treeline. Aspen and lodgepole pine forests are found in the lower elevations. Special features There are no named major peaks in the area but Homestake Ridge, along the or attractions Continental Divide, is a significant feature.

Area 57 resource uses

Vegetation The northern boundary of the area supported lodgepole and spruce-fir timber sales during the 1970s.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 87 Appendix C

Recreation Recreation use is limited to the No Name road corridor and along Homestake Ridge. Overall use levels are low. Recreation activities include peak climbing and off-trail travel, four-wheel-drive use, camping, snowmobiling and hunting. There are problems with illegal motorized use (snowmobiles and four-wheel- drive vehicles) crossing into Holy Cross Wilderness. The lack of roads and trails in the area provides an excellent opportunity for solitude. Wildlife The Colorado Division of Wildlife has proposed to transplant bighorn sheep into this unit. If the transplant occurs, the unit would contain critical winter habitat for bighorn sheep. Currently the area is used as summer and transition habitat for elk and deer. Other Travel management in this area allows over-the-snow vehicles operating on snow throughout the area. Possession or use of other motorized vehicles is prohibited year-long off of roads and trails and is permitted to operate on designated roads and trails.

Area 57 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... N/A Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... high Conform with terrain ...... high Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... lmedium

C __ 88 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 57 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 89 Appendix C

Roadless Area 59 Chicago Ridge

Acres 5,072 Ranger district Holy Cross History The Chicago Ridge roadless area is composed of a portion of the Chicago Ridge RARE II analysis area (4,480 acres). Location and This area is located south of Camp Hale and north of Tennessee Pass in access Eagle County. FDR 731 and 101 are primitive roads on which motorized use is allowed through the area. FDT 2108 (Colorado Trail) bounds the western portion. There are no other forest development trails in the area. FDR 731 is used year-round to access private residences on inholdings in the Taylor Gulch area. Additionally, the Chicago Ridge area is accessed from Ski Cooper during the winter for snowcat ski touring. Surroundings The northern boundary is defined by the East Fork Road (FDR 714). The western boundary is defined by US Highway 24 and the southern boundary by the White River NF/Pike-San Isabel NF boundaries. The eastern boundary is defined by the national forest and private land boundaries at Climax. Holy Cross Wilderness is about three miles to the west (across US Highway 24). Physical and Elevations range from about 9,400 feet at Camp Hale to 12,714 feet on Chi- biological cago Ridge. This area is described in the Gore Range ecological subsection of description the White River NF landscape character descriptions and is characterized by varied topography. The terrain is roughly broken, dissected by numerous drainages and ranges in character from rolling valley floors to very steep slopes and high ridges. The stratigraphy and lithology include uplifted mountain ranges composed of predominately precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks including granites and gneisses. Soil taxa associated with this subsection include Cryumbrepts at the highest elevations along summits and cirque lands, Cryochrepts and Cryoboralfs along the flanks of the ranges and Cryoborolls along the valleys. The dominant vegetation type is spruce-fir forest, followed by grassland/ meadow and lodgepole forest. Special features Camp Hale, along the northern boundary, has been designated a National or attractions Historic Site and was used by the 10th Mountain Division as a high- altitude training area during World War II. Vance's Cabin, a 10th Mountain Hut Association cabin, is located on private property within the area. Chi- cago Ridge is a striking above-treeline landform that runs north to south across this part of the area.

C __ 90 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 59 resource uses

Vegetation Extensive mining in the western part of this area led to selective timber harvesting throughout much of the Chicago Ridge area. In recent history, there have been no commercial timber sales. Recreation Recreation use is concentrated during the winter season by cross-country skiing and snowcat skiing. Summer use is low with some hiking, mountain biking, and jeep touring. Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours is a commercial outfitter and guide operation run on NFS lands by Ski Cooper. Wildlife The Chicago Ridge area is used as summer range for elk and deer. There is limited water available in this area (Taylor, Piney, and Jones Gulches) and no known Colorado River cutthroat trout. Range The Chicago Ridge Roadless area is part of the Tennessee Pass grazing allotment which is vacant at this time. Other There has been significant residential development on the private property parcels in the western portion of the area. The Ski Cooper permit boundary extends into the southern portion. Climax Mine is located to the east.

Area 59 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... medium Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... medium Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... N/A Backpacking ...... medium Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... high Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 91 Appendix C

Area 59 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 92 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 61 Sloan Peak

Acres 31,348 Ranger district(s) Aspen and Sopris History The unit was part of the Porphyry Mountain RARE II area, #177. It is adjacent to Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness on the east side. Location and The area is in Pitkin County southeast of Basalt. There are multiple cherry- access stemmed roads into the unit. On the west, the Arbanney-Kittle trail penetrates it. Although this trail has a roadbed that is still driveable, it is closed to motorized uses (except snowmobiles). On the southwest side, FDR 534 enters the unit and is legally open to motorized travel. On the southeast, multiple roads project from the Kobey Park area. Several system trails bisect the area. These include FDT 1931 (Rocky Fork), 1930 (Miller Divide), and Arbaney-Kittle. These trails are not legally open to motorized use. Surroundings The unit is bordered on the north by the Fryingpan River (including adjacent private lands) and Ruedi Reservoir; on the east by unit #64 and the Hunter- Fryingpan Wilderness; on the south by Kobey Park roads and the Forest boundary; and on the west by the Forest boundary. There is private land development along the Fryingpan, the east part of Ruedi Reservoir, and along Miller Creek. Potential for more development exists. Physical and Elevations range from about 7,600 feet on the west side to about 11,500 at biological Porphyry Mountain. Terrain varies, and is generally steep on the north side, description rolling on top, and steep on the south. There is a variety of vegetation types including sagebrush, oak, aspen, Douglas fir, spruce-fir, and open meadows. There are no lakes in the unit. Rocky Fork Creek is a cutthroat trout fishery. Special features Cerise Gulch, a potential research natural area of about 2,400 acres that or attractions includes a good representation of lower-elevation vegetation communities, is being evaluated. The Fryingpan River is a Gold Medal trout stream. Cultural sites include an old CCC camp called Flycamp, cabin foundations in upper Rocky Fork, and the old (closed) Peachblow sandstone quarry adjacent to the Fryingpan. Private lands essentially bisect the eastern portion of the unit (Miller Creek), and can be expected to require road access in the future.

Area 61 resource uses

Vegetation There is potential for additional harvest adjacent to recently harvested areas at Kobey Park. There is timber on the north side of the unit but much of it occurs on slopes greater than 40%. Recreation A moderate-to-heavy amount of hunting, mainly for elk, occurs. Hiking, horseback riding and bicycling occur on trails, mainly in the summer. Motorized use

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 93 Appendix C

(mainly by motorcycles) is heavy in the Red Canyon area. There is some illegal motorized use on trails and closed roads. Heavy fishing use occurs on the Fryingpan River, including outfitter-guide use. Ruedi Reservoir is heavily used for motor boating and sailing, along with boat-accessed dispersed camping on the south shore of the reservoir. Winter use is generally light. Minerals There is probably moderate or better potential for minerals in the Miller Creek area where patented mining claims exist. Wildlife The area contains elk winter range mainly on the west end and along the Fry- ingpan River. Range There is one active cattle allotment in the unit (Red Canyon) and one vacant allotment. Normal range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences may be found. Water The major water development in the unit is Ruedi Reservoir, a 1,000-acre impoundment that is part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas transbasin water project managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. There are several other ditches in the unit. Fire There has been some active management using prescribed fire on the southwest part of the unit. Special uses In addition to water ditches, there is a powerline in the southwest corner of the unit and an isolated cabin under permit. There may be one or more pastures under permit on the east side.

C __ 94 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 61 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable) PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... medium Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... high Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... high Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... low Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... N/A Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... low Conform with terrain ...... low Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 61 availability determination (see footnote) 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... 1 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no 1 Although the north face of Sloan Peak ridge is heavily timbered, steep terrain historically has made the timber inaccessible, and harvest might be visually unacceptable.

Roadless Area 64

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 95 Appendix C

Mormon Creek

Acres 4,425 Ranger district Sopris History Mormon Creek was part of the RARE II unit #170 which was called ``Holy Cross.'' It is adjacent to Holy Cross Wilderness. Location and The unit is located in Pitkin and Eagle Counties. Thomasville is to the west. access Trails include the beginning of FDT 1918 (Savage Lakes) and #1919 (Lyle/Mormon). The unit is almost bisected by a cherry stem road for the Cun- ningham water diversion. Surroundings The southern boundary is formed by the Cunningham Creek Road (FDR 501.1B) and the northern boundary by the north fork of the Fryingpan Road (FDR 510). The southwestern side is delineated by FDR 532 and FDR 538, and the east and north sides are bordered by Holy Cross Wilderness. Physical and Elevations range from 9,500 to 12,100 feet. Lower elevations contain lodge- biological pole with spruce/fir and small aspen patches at the upper elevations. The ter- description rain is generally steep. There are no major lakes.

Area 64 resource uses

Vegetation There is low potential for timber harvest because of steepness. Some limited cutting occurred historically. There is no recent commercial activity. Recreation Some fishing, hiking and hunting occurs, but there is very little winter use. Minerals There is low potential and no historic use. Wildlife The area provides summer range for deer and elk, and is adjacent to cutthroat fisheries in Cunningham Creek. Range The unit is within the vacant Ivanhoe sheep allotment. Water Fryingpan-Arkansas water project diversions are located along cherry stems. The Mormon tunnel runs under the unit. Lyle Lake ditch feeds into Ivanhoe for the Pueblo Water Board.

C __ 96 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Area 64 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... low Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... low Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... low Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... low Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... low Backpacking ...... low Hiking...... low Winter Skiing ...... low Mountain climbing ...... N/A Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... low Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low

Area 64 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 97 Appendix C

Roadless Area 69 Assignation Ridge

Acres 18,464 Ranger district Sopris History Most of the unit corresponds with the RARE II unit called ``Perham Creek,'' #182. It is not adjacent to any Wilderness. Location and The area is in Pitkin County southwest of the town of Carbondale. There are access several cherry-stemmed roads into the unit. These are the Thompson Creek roads associated with a private property inholding along Thompson Creek and its tributaries. System roads are FDR 306 and 305. System trails through the unit are FDT 1952 (South Thompson/Braderich Creek), FDT 2093 (Lake Ridge Lakes), and FDT 1949 (Perham Creek). All of these trails are legally closed to motorized use. Surroundings The unit is bordered on the north by the Forest boundary, which adjoins BLM lands; on the east by private lands along State Highway 133; on the south by the Coal Basin road system; and on the west by private lands along Lake Ridge as well as lands near Dexter Park that have been acquired by the For- est Service. There is existing private land development along the Crystal River (Hwy 133) but probably not much opportunity for further development. There is potential for private land development on the inholdings along Thompson Creek and Lake Ridge. Physical and Elevations range from about 7,000 feet near the Crystal River to about 10,600 biological feet. There is a variety of terrain from rolling to steep slopes to precipitous description slopes at the Crystal River canyon. There is an ``excellent presentation of a number of plant associations,'' which are fully described in the Assignation Ridge proposed RNA description (see Appendix G). No lakes occur in the unit. Special features The area has been identified as a potential RNA (Assignation Ridge). It is or attractions adjacent to the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, which has been designated as a State of Colorado scenic and historic byway and a national forest scenic byway. The historic townsite of the 19th century coal mining town of Coal Basin is located within or adjacent to the southwest edge of the unit. The corridor for the American Discovery Trail, a multi-user coast-to-coast route, is planned to cross the area.

Area 69 resource uses

Vegetation There are no significant recent or proposed harvest areas within the unit. Recreation A moderate-to-heavy amount of hunting occurs, mainly for elk. Outfitter use mainly associated with hunting is present. Trails in the unit receive moderate

C __ 98 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

use by hikers, horses, and mountain bicycles. The Braderich Creek/South Thompson trail is especially popular with mountain bikers and is under an Adopt-a-Trail agreement with a mountain bike club. The Perham Creek trail is becoming increasingly popular with hikers and horse users. Some illegal motorized use occurs in the area and on the trails. Some snowmobiling occurs but very little cross-country skiing because of the distance from plowed roads. There is a popular rock climbing site on the edge of the unit across from Red- stone Campground. Minerals Locatable minerals __ the potential for locatable minerals is low; however, there has been exploration in the past (an historic, closed copper mine in the Perham Creek area). Leasable minerals __ Coal has medium-to-high potential, and oil and gas potential is medium. The Forest has processed oil and gas leasing applications for this area, and some seismic exploration has occurred in the last 15 years. Wildlife The area contains deer and elk winter range. Range There are parts of two active cattle allotments in the unit, Lake Ridge and Coal Basin. Normal range improvements such as stock ponds, salt, and fences are found. Water The Sweet Jessup ditch runs along the east side of the unit. There is also a ditch in the South Thompson area. Fire Active management with prescribed fire has occurred in the Vorhies and Assignation Ridge areas. Special uses A coal mine waste dump was located on the Forest under special-use permit (at the south end of the unit in Coal Basin).

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 99 Appendix C

Area 69 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... medium Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... high Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... high Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... medium Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... medium Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... low Backpacking ...... low Hiking...... medium Winter Skiing ...... medium Mountain climbing ...... N/A Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... low Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low

Area 69 availability determination (see footnotes) 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... 1 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... 2 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... 3

1 Some vegetation treatments such as prescribed fire or noxious weed eradication may be beneficial to retain diverse, healthy plant communities. 2 Possibly. Although coal and copper are known to occur in the area, there has been no recent economic activity to extract locatable minerals. The Forest recently has processed oil and gas leasing applications for this area. 3 None known except possible gas leases.

Roadless Area 71

C __ 100 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

North Woody

Acres 8,521 Ranger district Aspen History This parcel was part of RARE II unit #177. North Woody is not adjacent to a wilderness area. It may not have been included in past Wilderness designa- tions because it is surrounded by timber sales, private lands and numerous roads. Location and The unit is in Pitkin County north of Aspen. At its southeast corner is the com- access munity of Lenado. Roaded access is by way of Woody Creek Road to the south; the Kobey Park road complex to the north; and Larkspur Road to the east. Cherry stems are created by Collins Creek and Little Woody Creek drainages. Two non-motorized trails include Hannon Creek and Collins Creek. Surroundings Woody Creek is to the south, with a considerable amount of private land along Woody Creek Road. BLM land and the forest boundary are on the west side. The north boundary is formed by Kobey Park, and Larkspur Road is to the east. Physical and Elevations range from 8,000 to 10,300 feet. Vagner Mountain is the high point. biological The terrain is generally steep with south- and southwest-facing slopes com- description posed of sedimentary bedrock. Lower-elevation vegetation is mainly Gambel oak and brush; spruce-fir is found at higher elevations and on west-facing slopes. Douglas-fir can be found in the draws.

Area 71 resource uses

Vegetation Although this area is adjacent to the Kobey Park timber area, the North Woody section has limited timber potential because of its dryness and steepness. Recreation Some hunting occurs but other uses are limited by steepness. Minerals There is low overall potential; some potential exists along East edge where patented mining claims exist. There is low potential for oil and gas development. Wildlife The unit provides summer range for deer and elk with some winter range on the west side. Range The north part of area is a portion of the the Red Canyon allotment. The Woody Allotment is vacant. Water There are two springboxes in Collins Creek. Fire Some prescribed fire has occurred in the past for deer and elk habitat improvement. Special uses There are irrigation ditches in Collins Creek.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 101 Appendix C

Area 71 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... low Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... low Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... low Hunting ...... low Fishing ...... low Backpacking ...... low Hiking...... low Winter Skiing ...... low Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... low Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... medium Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... medium

Area 71 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 102 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 75 Hunter

Acres 1,188 Ranger district Aspen History This area was part of RARE II units #177 and #178. It may not have been included in the original Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness proposal because of some historic motorized use, past grazing, and historic timber harvests. Location and The unit is in Pitkin County about two miles east of Aspen, adjacent to Hunter- access Fryingpan Wilderness. It is bordered by Private Road 130 on the north and Smuggler Road on the south and southwest. Warren Lakes is located at its southern tip (this group of lakes is privately owned but the Forest Service will soon finalize acquisition.) Hunter Creek Trail crosses the unit in the north. Surroundings County Road 130 and Smuggler Road mark the area's northern and southern boundaries. Along its western side are private residential properties. Physical and Elevations range from 8,800 to 11,000 feet. The major feature of this unit is biological the Hunter Creek valley which runs east to west. Most of the terrain is steep. description The main vegetation types are spruce-fir, aspen, and lodgepole pine, with willows along the creeks. Oakbrush and sagebrush are found in lower elevations. Special features High-elevation wetland bogs are present in the Warren Lakes area. There are or attractions some old cabins near Hunter Creek. There is little or no avalanche danger. There are cherry-stem private roads on the area's southern tip.

Area 75 resource uses

Vegetation Logging operations occurred historically at the unit's north and south ends. These areas are regarded as having a low potential for timber harvest because of unsuitable roads. Recreation The area receives much hiking use, some mountain biking, and some cross- country skiing, especially by local residents. Some hunting and fishing occurs. Minerals There is a moderate potential for mineral development overall. The potential may be high near the Smuggler area on the westcentral boundary. Wildlife The area is used by deer and elk for summer range. A Forest Service Region 2 sensitive species may exist in this area. Range This unit was part of the vacant Red Mountain allotment. Water Major features include Hunter Creek and the marsh area around Waren Lakes.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 103 Appendix C

Area 75 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

Area 75 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 104 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 77 North Independence ``A''

Acres 4,548 Ranger district Aspen History This area was in RARE II area #178. Possible reasons that this area may have been excluded from previous recommendation as Wilderness include serving as a buffer zone from Highway 82; some special features including an old stock driveway; and scattered evidence of historic mining.

Location and The unit is located east of Aspen in Pitkin County. To the east of the area is access the historic mining town of Independence. Access from Highway 82 is along the unit's southern border. Smuggler Mountain Road is on the northwestern border. Surroundings The Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness is located to the north and the Highway 82 corridor to the south. The eastern and western ends of the unit are bordered by private lands. Physical and Elevations range from 8,000 to 12,000 feet. The unit consists mainly of steep, biological rocky, south-facing slopes. Vegetation varies with elevation from oakbrush to description lodgepole pine to spruce-fir and aspen to alpine tundra.The north-northwest section of the unit is drier and less steep, with more oakbrush. Special features Historic cabins and other evidence of mining are found in the area. There is an or attractions old stock driveway in the northwest section.

Area 77 resource uses

Vegetation A remnant stand of ponderosa pine is present above Difficult Campground. There is potential in the northwest section for logging of spruce-fir, aspen and Douglas-fir. Recreation Uses include backcountry hiking and camping; small-game and big-game hunting; and fishing. Some illegal snowmobile and motorcycle use occurs in meadows west of Smuggler Mountain. The highway corridor near the unit is used for sightseeing and rock climbing. Minerals The potential for mineral development is high in the northwestern corner near Smuggler Mountain. Wildlife The unit provides a travel corridor for deer and elk. Golden eagles and gos- hawks have been sighted. Fire Brush areas may be susceptible to fire.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 105 Appendix C

Heritage Remnants of the mining era are present in the form of cabin foundations, min- resources ing flumes and prospecting digs. The Smuggler area shows evidence of early timber cutting. Special uses Slope stabilization work has been done to mitigate movement from highway cuts. There is one springbox and waterline, and one private access road. Some telephone lines paralleling Highway 82 may be located within the unit.

Area 77 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... medium Natural and free from disturbance ...... medium Manageability ...... medium OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... low Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... low Hunting ...... medium Fishing ...... N/A Backpacking ...... low Hiking...... low Winter Skiing ...... low Mountain climbing ...... low Hiking ...... low Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... low Conform with terrain ...... low Are manageable ...... low Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... low Area 75 availability determination 1. Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 106 White River National Forest Roadless Areas

Roadless Area 84 Treasure Mountain

Acres 3,123 Ranger district Sopris History This unit corresponds with part of the RARE II unit called ``Raggeds'' #181. It is adjacent to the Raggeds Wilderness. Location and The area is entirely in Gunnison County. It is southeast of the town of Marble. access There are no cherry-stemmed roads into the unit. There are no system trails in the unit. Access is limited by private property and steep slopes. Surroundings The unit is bordered on the north by private land along the Crystal River, on the east and west by private property, and on the south by the Raggeds Wil- derness. Physical and Elevations range from about 8,900 feet near the Crystal River to almost biological 13,500 feet at the summit of Treasure Mountain. The terrain generally is very description steep and mainly north-facing. There are many rock outcrops. Vegetation consists mainly of spruce-fir and alpine tundra, with some aspen and open avalanche chutes. There are two small, unnamed alpine lakes. Special features The unit offers a very high opportunity for solitude.

Area 84 resource uses

Vegetation There is no known timber harvesting activity because of steepness, access problems, and poor sites. Recreation A very light amount of recreation use occurs, and consists of backcountry skiing and very limited hiking and hunting. Helicopter skiing was permitted in the 1980s, which probably accounts for the exclusion of the area from Raggeds Wilderness. There is current commercial interest in obtaining a new helicopter skiing permit. Minerals The potential is believed to be low. Wildlife The area contains some elk summer range as well as ptarmigan habitat.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement C __ 107 Appendix C

Area 84 capability assessment (all ratings are high, medium, low, or N/A __ not applicable)

PRIMARY ELEMENTS Opportunity for solitude ...... high Natural and free from disturbance ...... high Manageability ...... high OTHER SUPPORTING ELEMENTS Environmental and special features Scientific, educational, or historical values ...... low Variety and abundance of wildlife ...... medium Special features ...... low Provides challenge and adventure ...... high Degree of primitive and unconfined recreation experiences Summer Camping ...... high Hunting ...... high Fishing ...... medium Backpacking ...... high Hiking...... high Winter Skiing ...... high Mountain climbing ...... N/A Hiking ...... N/A Manageability ___ the extent that boundaries: Are recognizable ...... medium Conform with terrain ...... medium Are manageable ...... high Constitute a barrier to prohibited use ...... high

Area 84 availability determination 1.Is the area vitally needed for increased water protection and storage? ...... no 2. Would Wilderness designation seriously restrict important wildlife management measures? .... no 3. Does the area have high strategic or economic mineral development potential? ...... no 4. Are there unique or outstanding natural phenomena that require public access and development that would be inconsistent with Wilderness designation? ...... no 5. Is the land needed to meet clearly documented resource demands such as for timber, minerals, or developed recreation sites including winter sports? ...... no 6. Are there existing contractual or other significant obligations on the area not in concert with Wilderness designation? ...... no

C __ 108 White River National Forest To Appendix D